Pelicans Ink Hometown Pitcher…Again

Published on April 20, 2009 under American Association (AA)
Pensacola Pelicans News Release


The Pensacola Pelicans announced today that they have signed right-handed pitcher Kyle Middleton to contract for the 2009 season. 2007 was 6' 6" 230-pound hurler Middleton's first, albeit brief, encounter with the Pelicans. He was set to be the opening day starter after a superb spring training, but the Houston Astros bought the rights to Middleton the day before opening day.

Middleton reported to the Astros' double-A Corpus Christi team and had a winning season: a record of three wins and two losses, a 3.35 ERA, and 23 saves for the right-hander. He played six games for Corpus Christi in 2008 before being promoted to Round Rock for his second stint in triple-A, his first occurring with Omaha of the Pacific Coast League in 2006.

The 28 year old Middleton is a Pensacola-native; having played ball for the Escambia High Gators before moving to Alabama for college. After attending Jefferson Davis, Middleton started his eight year professional career. Drafted in the 1999 Major League Baseball draft by Kansas City, Middleton signed with the Royals on May 31, 2000.

Middleton moved up the minor leagues annually before spending three seasons with double-A Wichita from 2004-2006. In 2005 Middleton struck out 109 batters in 171.1 innings. He started 28 games and earned a record of 10-9.

Last season with triple-A Round Rock, Kyle Middleton posted an ERA of 5.13 with 20 strikeouts in 33.1 innings. Middleton's eight year professional career includes a record of 55-53 and 584 strikeouts in 233 games. Middleton has allowed an average of 10.1 hits over 9 innings during his professional career.

With the addition of Middleton, the Pelicans roster now sits at 25 with 14 pitchers, one catcher, five outfielders, and five infielders. The Pelicans report to Spring Training on May second. Spectators can attend Spring Training free of charge. More information is available at www.pensacolapelicans.com.

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