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SL1 Knoxville Smokies

Smokies Announce Roster Moves

June 3, 2015 - Southern League (SL1)
Knoxville Smokies News Release


CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. - The Chicago Cubs announced a series of transactions that impacts their Double-A affiliate Tennessee Smokies roster prior to this today's contest against the Chattanooga Lookouts at AT&T Field in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Right-handed starting pitcher Ryan Williams has been transferred to Tennessee from Low-A South Bend. The 23-year-old has enjoyed a strong start to his first full professional season, posting a 4-1 record and 1.17 ERA (7 ER in 53.2 IP), walking just two batters while striking out 37. Williams is expected to start today for the Smokies and make his Double-A debut.

At the time of his promotion, the Cubs' 2014 tenth round draft pick out of East Carolina University was leading the Midwest League in WHIP (0.71), in addition to second in earned-run average and batting average against (.190). The California native also ranked first in the circuit with the lowest walk per nine innings pitched ratio (0.35) and baserunners per nine innings (6.79).

In a corresponding move, left-hander Tyler Ihrig has been transferred to Single-A Eugene. The southpaw over four appearances (one start) has accumulated an 0-1 record and 3.38 ERA (3 ER in 8.0 IP), adding four strikeouts. Included in that span are three scoreless relief appearances between May 23-31, with a two-inning performance on May 28 versus Mobile.

In addition, infielder/outfielder Anthony Giansanti has been placed on the Disabled List. The 26-year-old in 35 contests this season with Tennessee has hit .238 (25-105), adding six runs, two extra-base hits and 12 RBI, along with a .316 on-base percentage. Earlier last month, Giansanti recorded a hit in eight consecutive contests between May 17-25, and also collected at least one base knock in 14 of 17 matchups between May 7-29.

In a corresponding move, C Tyler Pearson has been transferred to Tennessee from Single-A Eugene. The 23-year-old was selected by the Cubs in the 25th round of the 2014 MLB Draft out of Texas State University, and participated in 21 contests with the Mesa Cubs last season, batting .235 (12-51) with two homers and six RBI.

Tennessee's roster now stands at 25 active players, and a revised roster is attached.

The Smokies and Lookouts are set to face off in Chattanooga today at 11:15 a.m. at AT&T Field before wrapping up their five-game road/home series in Tennessee. Chattanooga RHP Jose Berrios (6-2, 2.84), who ranks tied for first in the Southern League in wins with Tennessee RHP Frank Batista and was rated the No. 36 overall prospect by Baseball America before this season, is anticipated to oppose Williams.

Tennessee following today's contest will return home to Smokies Stadium to begin a seven-game homestand on Thursday, June 4, with the first game scheduled for 7:05 p.m. against Chattanooga. It's Thirsty Thursday at the ballpark, with drink specials including one dollar domestic draft beers and one dollar small sodas, while it's also Clue Murder Mystery Night, with fans getting a chance to participate in a night-long game to try and solve a "crime" committed at the ballpark.

Tickets for that game, as well as all remaining home contests at Smokies Stadium, are still available, and can be purchased online at smokiesbaseball.com, or by calling the Smokies Ticket Office at 865-286-2300.

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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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