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Pirates Opening Day Starter To Join Tribe On Rehab

August 30, 2007 - International League (IL1)
Indianapolis Indians News Release


INDIANAPOLIS -- Pittsburgh Pirates left-hander Zach Duke will make a Major League rehabilitation start for the Indianapolis Indians on Saturday night at Victory Field. The Tribe entertains the Louisville Bats in its 2007 home finale at 6 p.m.

Duke turned in a 3-7 record and 5.79 ERA in 17 Major League starts from April 2-June 28, 2007. The 24-year-old Opening Day starter was placed on the disabled list July 1 with tendonitis in his left elbow.

Duke registered a 10-15 mark and 4.47 ERA in 34 big league starts a season ago. He led the 2006 Pirates staff in starts and innings pitched (215.1).

Duke was named the International League's Most Valuable Pitcher in 2005 after turning in a 12-3 record and 2.92 ERA in 14 starts for Indianapolis. He was invited to both the 2005 Triple-A All-Star Game and 2005 All-Star Futures Game.

Duke went on to post an 8-2 record and 1.81 ERA in 14 starts for Pittsburgh that season after earning his first Major League promotion on July 1. He was a two-time National League Rookie of the Month (July and August) and became the first starter in Pirates history to begin his career 6-0.

Duke and fellow Bucs hurler Ian Snell owned the most victories (21) of any one-two punch in all of professional baseball through the first three months of 2005. Duke was the organization's No. 1 prospect that season, while Snell was No. 4.

Duke, a native of Clifton, Texas, was taken by the Pirates in the 20th round of the 2001 draft. He is engaged to Butler University graduate Kristin Gross.

Saturday will be an extremely busy night at Victory Field. Five End-of-the-Year player awards will be given away during a special pre-game ceremony, while the Tribe's August Player of the Month and 2007 Most Valuable Player will also be recognized.

Indians players and coaches will be giving away autographed, game-worn jerseys immediately following the game. Fans can register to win one of the jerseys through the fourth inning.

White River State Park will also play host to HANK-FM's annual SkyConcert after the contest. Fans will be invited down to the Victory Field playing surface for the fireworks show at 9:30 p.m.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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