Rodriguez and Fruto Added to 'Fish Tank
Published on July 9, 2014 under Atlantic League (AtL)
Bridgeport Bluefish News Release
(Bridgeport, Conn. - July 9, 2014 ) - The Bridgeport Bluefish today announced the signings of pitchers Julio Rodriguez and Emiliano Fruto. Rodriguez returns after spending the beginning of the season with Bridgeport and Fruto makes his way back to the Park City for his second tour with the "ËFish.
"These two players will add even more depth to our pitching staff," says Bluefish manager Willie Upshaw. "Julio was one of our best hurlers at the beginning of the year and Emiliano was a great asset to our bullpen last season. It's great to have both of them back with the club."
Rodriguez returns to Bluefish after starting the 2014 season in Bridgeport. Currently in his seventh season of professional baseball, Rodriguez spent the first month of the season with the "ËFish and went 2-0 with a 2.59 ERA in four games (three starts). He was then signed to a minor league contract with the Chicago Cubs, who assigned him to Double-A Tennessee. The Puerto Rico native started three games for the Smokies going 1-2 with a 5.52 ERA and 10 strikeouts in 14.2 innings pitched. The hurler started his career with the GCL Phillies after he was drafted by Philadelphia in the eighth round of the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft out of the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy. In 2010 he went a combined 7-3 with a minuscule 1.89 ERA in 20 games (12 starts) with Single-A Williamsport and Lakewood. Rodriguez followed up his 2010 campaign by being promoted to High-A Clearwater of the Florida State League posting a 16-7 record with a 2.76 ERA in 27 starts. The right-hander was selected to both the 2012 Futures Game and Eastern League All-Star Game. Baseball America ranked him ranked him the Phillies 17th best prospect following the 2011 season. The 23-year-old has appeared in 108 minor league games (82 starts) posting a 3.67 ERA with a 34-25 record and 550 strikeouts in 500.2 innings.
Fruto makes his way back to Bridgeport for his 13th season of professional baseball and second straight in the Atlantic League. The former Major League pitched for the Bluefish last season appearing in 33 games going 1-3 with a 3.58 ERA and 46 strikeouts in 37.2 innings pitched. The righty reached the Majors in 2006 with the Seattle Mariners. He went 2-2 over the course of 36.0 innings recording 34 strikeouts and picking up a save while holding a 5.50 ERA. Over the course of 431 career minor league games, Fruto is averaging over a strikeout per innings, punching out 844 batters over the course of 809.2 innings of work. He also holds a 4.18 ERA and has collected 93 saves.
In corresponding roster moves, the Bluefish have released pitchers Jesse English and Matt Sommo.
The Bridgeport Bluefish are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at The Ballpark at Harbor Yard. For further information, call 203-210-BLUE (2583) or visit BridgeportBluefish.com.
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