RailCats Sign Former Major Leaguer
Published on July 6, 2016 under American Association (AA)
Gary SouthShore Railcats News Release
GARY, IN - The Gary South Shore RailCats announced today the signing of former Houston Astro Jorge de Leon. De Leon spent parts of the 2013 and 2014 seasons in the majors as an Astro. He fills the roster spot vacated by LHP Alex Gunn who was signed by the Arizona Diamondbacks today.
De Leon is 28 years old and a native of La Vega, Dominican Republic. He last pitched for the New Hampshire Wild of the Empire Professional Baseball League. The right-hander served as the closer for the Wild and pitched in 10 games. He recorded three saves, 11 strikeouts, and one win.
De Leon pitched in 19 games for the Astros over the '13 and '14 seasons and amassed a 0-1 record with a 5.19 ERA. He threw 17.1 innings and allowed 21 hits including three homers. He struck out 10 batters.
The 28 year-old's fastball averaged 96 miles per hour between those two seasons according to Brooks Baseball. De Leon's coach in the Empire League is quoted saying he threw 95 in his last appearance.
De Leon spent most of last year in Double A but had two stints in Triple A. He pitched in 34 games for Tulsa, the Double A affiliate of the Dodgers, and had a 3.80 ERA. He was briefly in Triple A with the Dogers' affiliate and the Miami affiliate. For the year combined, De Leon was 1-5 with a 4.75 ERA.
The right-hander began his professional career as a middle infielder before making the move to the mound. He spent four seasons in the Astros organization as a hitter and compiled a .212 average with six home runs.
De Leon's career record as a pitcher is 16-31. He has a 4.38 ERA with 310 strikeouts compared to 158 walks. He has been used primarily as a reliever and claims 47 saves to his name.
He is the 11th pitcher on the RailCats' roster. The roster is full with 23 players, including one on the Disabled List, and one on the Inactive List.
The RailCats are 24-10 and stand in first place in the American Association's Central Division. Their next home game is tonight, July 6 th, at 7:10 PM. For more information on Gary South Shore RailCats tickets and Group Outing information call 219-882-2255 or visit www.railcatsbaseball.com .
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