SAL1 Kannapolis Cannon Ballers

Intimidator Alum Wendelken Makes MLB Debut

May 9, 2016 - South Atlantic League (SAL1)
Kannapolis Cannon Ballers News Release


KANNAPOLIS, N.C. - Right-handed pitcher J.B. Wendelken, a member of the 2013 Kannapolis Intimidators, made his Major League debut on Sunday. Wendelken worked 1.1 innings with the Oakland Athletics against Baltimore, striking out two, walking one and allowing four runs.

As a result, Wendelken is now the 87th to go from Kannapolis to the Major Leagues and the 69th player in the Intimidators era (2001-present) to accomplish the feat. The righty is the sixth Intimidator to make his big league debut with Oakland. Wendelken was sent along with pitcher Zach Erwin from the White Sox to Oakland in exchange for second baseman Brett Lawrie in a trade on December 9, 2015.

The Georgia native came into the White Sox organization in a deadline trade that sent Jake Peavy to the Boston Red Sox on July 31, 2013. In three appearances for Kannapolis in 2013, Wendelken went 0-1 with a 9.64 earned run average. The righty pitched for the Greenville Drive while he was in the Boston Red Sox farm system. In a relief appearance with Kannapolis on August 5, 2013 he struck out seven of his former teammates in just three innings of work.

Wendelken joins Kevan Smith as the second former Intimidator to reach the Major Leagues this season.

Three Intimidators from the 2013 team have now graduated to the Major Leagues. Second basemen Micah Johnson and pitcher Frankie Montas made their big league debuts with the Chicago White Sox during the 2015 season.

The Intimidators play game three of a 4-game series against the Lakewood BlueClaws on Monday at 7:05 p.m. with RHP Luis Martinez (1-3, 4.39 ERA) starting for Kannapolis against Lakewood's RHP Jose Taveras (0-2, 3.05 ERA). Monday is Belly Buster night at Intimidators Stadium supported by Carolina HealthCare System, for just $10 its all-you-can-eat all game long, some restrictions may apply. For tickets and promotional information, call the F&M Bank Box Office or visit IntimidatorsBaseball.com.

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South Atlantic League Stories from May 9, 2016


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