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SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Francescon promoted to Triple-A Iowa; Pugliese transferred from High-A Myrtle Beach

August 31, 2015 - Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


SEVIERVILLE - The Chicago Cubs announced a series of transactions that impacts their Double-A affiliate Tennessee Smokies roster prior to this evening's matchup against the Jacksonville Suns at Smokies Stadium.

All-Star reliever P.J. Francescon has been transferred to Triple-A Iowa. Over his team-leading 42 appearances with the Smokies this season, the right-hander has posted a 4-2 record and 1.69 ERA (10 ER in 53.1 IP), adding 22 saves, which ranked second in the Southern League at the time of his promotion behind only Pensacola's Zack Weiss (24). Over a period between May 6-July 7, Francescon successfully converted each of his 11 save opportunities, and was named the circuit's top reliever in the month of June after not allowing a run in eight total appearances (8.0 IP).

The 26-year-old has pitched for the Smokies in at least parts of the past three seasons, including the 2015 campaign, totaling a 17-8 mark and 3.01 ERA (51 ER in 152.1 IP), adding 23 saves and 53 games finished in 101 career outings with Tennessee. The Tennessee native was selected by the Cubs in the 40th round of the 2011 MLB Draft out of Trevecca Nazarene University in Tennessee.

In a corresponding move, reliever James Pugliese has been transferred to Tennessee from High-A Myrtle Beach. Over his 30 appearances with the Pelicans in 2015, the righty has tallied a 4-2 record and 2.62 ERA (16 ER in 55.0 IP), adding 49 strikeouts. Among all Carolina League relievers, Pugliese totaled the second-lowest walk per nine inning ratio (2.13), in addition to fourth in fewest baserunners per nine innings (11.13) and the fifth-best strikeouts per nine inning ratio (8.02). The 23-year-old was selected by the Cubs in the 18th round of the 2011 MLB Draft out of Mercer County Community College in New Jersey.

Tennessee's roster now stands at 25 players, along with five players on the Disabled List along with Cubs pitcher Neil Ramirez on his Major League Rehab Assignment, and a revised roster is attached.

The Smokies are set to face off against the Suns in their second-to-last home game of the regular season this evening, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. RHP Ryan Williams (9-2, 3.00), who leads all Cubs farmhands in victories (13) and earned-run average (2.27) is expected to get the ball for Tennessee, while LHP Matt Tomsahaw (5-9, 4.31) is slated to toe the rubber for Jacksonville.

Tickets for all remaining 2015 home contests at Smokies Stadium are still available and can be purchased online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.

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Southern League Stories from August 31, 2015


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