SL1 Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp

Hatcher Recalled to Major Leagues

Published on July 8, 2011 under Southern League (SL1)
Last updated: July 8, 2011
Source: Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp News Release


JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The Florida Marlins have announced a pair of transactions that affects their Double-A affiliate Jacksonville Suns roster prior to tonight's game against the Montgomery Biscuits at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville.

Right-handed relief pitcher Chris Hatcher has been recalled from the Suns to the major league Florida Marlins. Hatcher, who saw major league action in last as a catcher with the Marlins, entered the 2011 season on the 40-man roster. In 30 relief appearances, Hatcher went 2-1 with the Suns with one save and a 2.31 ERA in 35 innings on the mound. Hatcher will make baseball history with his promotion, becoming the first major league catcher to return to the big leagues as a full-time pitcher.

Hatcher was a part of the 2009 and 2010 Southern League Champion Suns clubs, and it was Hatcher who delivered a walk-off home run in Game Four of the 2010 Southern League Championship Series that clinched Jacksonville's fifth Southern League title.

In a corresponding move, left-handed starting pitcher Brad Hand has been optioned from the major league Marlins roster to Jacksonville. Hand, who earned his first major league victory last night against the Houston Astros at Sun Life Stadium, went 1-3 with the Marlins in five big league starts, posting a 2.77 ERA in 26 innings on the mound. This will be Hand's third stint with the Suns this season, where he is 7-2 with a 4.15 ERA in 12 starts. Hand will remain on the Marlins' 40-man roster.

The Suns roster now stands at 24, and a revised roster is attached.

The Suns will begin a four-game series against the Montgomery Biscuits on Friday night at the Baseball Grounds of Jacksonville. Left-handed pitcher Jose Alvarez (0-0, 1.50 ERA) will pitch for the Suns against Montgomery's right-hander Nick Barnese (3-3, 3.39 ERA).

The game will feature post-game fireworks at the Baseball Grounds, as well as the only 2011 appearance of the Famous San Diego Chicken. Friday's first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m., and fans can listen to the game beginning at 6:50 p.m. with the U.F. & Shands Pregame Show on Jacksonville's WFXJ AM 930 the Fox and www.jaxsuns.com.

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Southern League Stories from July 8, 2011


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