SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Mike Olt Joins Smokies on Major League Rehab Assignment

Published on June 19, 2015 under Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


KODAK - Prior to today's game, the Chicago Cubs have announced a series of transactions that impacts their Double-A affiliate Tennessee Smokies roster.

INF Mike Olt has joined the Tennessee Smokies for a Major League rehab assignment. The Bradford, Conn. native was placed on the Chicago Cubs' 15-day disabled list on April 17, retroactive to April 15, with a hairline fracture in his right wrist. The infielder was transferred to the 60-day disabled list on April 21. In six games with the Major League club in 2015, Olt compiled a .133 batting average (2-15) with one home run and one run batted in.

In 2014, Olt played 117 games between Triple-A Iowa and Chicago. In 89 outings with the Cubs, Olt tallied a .160 average (36-225) with 12 homers and 33 RBI. The 26-year old was acquired by Chicago in a trade with the Texas Rangers on July 22, 2013 with RHP Carl Edwards Jr., RHP Justin Grimm and RHP Neil Ramirez in exchange for RHP Matt Garza. Olt was originally drafted by Texas in the first round (49th overall) of the 2010 Draft out of the University of Connecticut.

In addition, INF Elliot Soto has been placed on the disabled list, retroactive to June 17. In 56 games this season with the Smokies, Soto has pieced together a .259 average (51-197) with five doubles, one triple and 13 runs batted in. Tennessee's shortstop has walked 31 times and stolen three bases with a .362 on-base percentage (82 H+BB in 228 PA). Among current Smokies' players, Soto is second in walks (36), third in runs scored (29) and on-base percenatege (.362), as well as tied for third in hits (51).

Tennessee's active roster now stands at 24 players with four players currently on the disabled list and three Major League rehabbers. A revised roster is attached.

The Smokies will take on the Mississippi Braves, the Double-A affiliate of the Atlanta, this evening in a quasi-doubleheader starting at 6:05 p.m. ET. Game one will be a completion of yesterday's suspended contest. The matchup will pick up with runners at first and second and nobody out with a 3-0 count on RF Billy McKinney. Tennessee will start with a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the fourth inning. RHP Andres Santiago (1-3, 3.82 ERA) is expected to take the mound in the restart for Ten-nessee, while RHP Ryne Harper (0-1, 3.68 ERA) is scheduled to go for the M-Braves.

The nightcap will kick off a half-hour after the first game's completion and will be a seven-inning contest. Southern League All-Star and the league's leader in earned run average, RHP Frank Batista (6-2, 1.60 ERA), is expected to make the start for the Smokies. Mississippi is projected to be opposed by RHP Victor Mateo (3-3, 2.32 ERA), who enters today fourth in the league in ERA.

A spectacular post-game fireworks show will take place following the end of game two, presented by Pepsi, Coors Light, Dollywood's Splash Country, WVLT, WIVK and the Knoxville News Sentinel as part of Remote Area Medical Friday. The Smokies will also be wearing special Star Wars Jerseys for the second game at part of Star Wars Night, and will be auc-tioned off during the game to benefit the United Way of Knox and Sevier Counties. In addition, characters for the movies will be on hand to pose for pictures with fans.

Tickets for tonight's doubleheader, as well as all remaining home contests at Smokies Stadium, are on sale 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 June 19, 2015


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