Smokies Announce Roster Moves June 25
Published on June 25, 2015 under Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release
MOBILE, Ala. - The Chicago Cubs announced a series of transactions that impacts their Double-A affiliate Tennessee Smokies roster prior to this evening's series opening contest against the Mobile BayBears at Hank Aaron Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.
All-Star right-handed starter Frank Batista has been transferred from Tennessee to Triple-A Iowa. The 26-year-old was spectacular in the first half for the Smokies after moving from the bullpen to the rotation at the beginning of the season, compiling a 7-2 record and 1.70 ERA (15 ER in 79.1 IP) in 13 starts with Tennessee. At the time of his promotion, the Dominican Republic native paces the circuit in earned-run average, in addition to tied for first in wins and fourth in innings pitched (79.1) and WHIP (1.07).
Nine of Batista's 13 outings for the Smokies were quality starts, which rank first among the circuit's active hurlers at the tie of his promotion, while allowing more than two earned runs in a start just once, yielding three on May 28 versus the Mobile BayBears. The righty also tossed a seven-inning complete game shutout to earn the win on May 17 versus the Jackson Generals, and ranks third among the Southern League's starters by allowing 9.76 baserunners per nine innings, behind only Jacksonville's Kendry Flores (7.94) and Montgomery's Jared Mortensen (9.69).
In a corresponding move, right-handed reliever Zach Cates has been transferred to Tennessee from High-A Myrtle Beach. Cates began the 2015 campaign with the Smokies, posting an 0-4 record and 6.14 ERA (5 ER in 7.1 IP), adding seven strikeouts. After being transferred to the Pelicans on May 6, the Arkansas native recorded a 2-1 mark and 1.50 ERA (3 ER in 18.0 IP), adding two saves while fanning 20 batters in 12 relief appearances.
Cates also made 23 appearances for Tennessee last year, combining for a 2-1 record and 6.00 ERA (18 ER in 27.0 IP) along with 22 punchouts. The 25-year-old was acquired by the Cubs in a January 6, 2012 deal from the San Diego Padres that also included current Cubs infielder Anthony Rizzo in exchange for former Smokies hurler Andrew Cashner and outfielder Kung-Min Na. The rghty was originally selected by the Padres in the third round of the 2010 MLB Draft out of Northeast Texas Community College.
In addition, infielder Elliot Soto has been activated from the Disabled List. In 56 games for the Smokies this year, the shortstop has hit .259 (51-197) with 29 runs scored, five doubles, one triple and 13 RBI, adding 31 walks and a .362 on-base percentage.
The 25-year-old has played in a total of 223 games with the Smokies dating back to the 2012 campaign, totaling a .231 average (153-661) with 71 runs, 20 doubles, five triples, two homers and 46 RBI. The Illinois native was originally selected by the Cubs in the 15th round of the 2010 MLB Draft out of Creighton Unviersity.
Tennessee's roster now stands at 25 active players, along with three players on the Disabled List.
The Smokies are set to begin a five-game road series this evening with the Mobile BayBears, the Double-A affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, with first pitch scheduled for 8:05 p.m. ET at Hank Aaron Stadium. RHP Pierce Johnson (1-0, 0.00) is expected to take the hill for the Smokies, while RHP A.J. Schugel (3-1, 2.61) is anticipated to get the ball for Mobile.
Tennessee will then return to Smokies Stadium for a three-game home series versus the Montgomery Biscuits, the Double-A affiliate of the Tampa Bay Rays, beginning on Wednesday, July 1 at 7:05 p.m. The Smokies will host post-game fireworks shows following each of those three contests as part of the Red, White and Boom Homestand.
Tickets for 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.
Southern League Stories from June 25, 2015
- Biscuits, Bauers Impressive to Start Second Half - Montgomery Biscuits
- Pensacola Unleashes Offensive Barrage in 9-3 Victory - Pensacola Blue Wahoos
- Shuckers Drop Second-Half Opener to Suns, 6-2 - Biloxi Shuckers
- Blue Wahoos Defeat M-Braves to Start Second Half - Mississippi Braves
- Suns Grab Second Half Opener from Shuckers 6-2 - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Rays Announce Several Roster Moves - Montgomery Biscuits
- Astin Promoted to Pensacola - Pensacola Blue Wahoos
- Smokies Announce Roster Moves June 25 - Knoxville Smokies
- Jose Fernandez to Start in Jacksonville Saturday - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Two 2015 Biscuits Headed to Futures Game - Montgomery Biscuits
- Smokies Hitting Coach Desi Wilson Named to All-Star Futures Game Coaching Staff - Knoxville Smokies
- Edwin Diaz to Pitch in Futures Game - Jackson Generals
- Suns Announce Roster Moves - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
- Biloxi's Arcia, Hook to Participate in All-Star Futures Game - Biloxi Shuckers
- Godfrey promoted to Mississippi, Rodriguez activated - Mississippi Braves
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