Three Former Hawks Reach the Majors

Published on May 13, 2009 under Midwest League (MWL1)
South Bend Silver Hawks News Release


South Bend, IN - The Arizona Diamondbacks have added three former Silver Hawks to their major league roster in recent days, with all three having a chance to make their debut in tonight's game against the Cincinnati Reds.

Bryan Augenstein was a pitcher for South Bend in 2008. The right-hander was 5-0 with a 0.78 ERA in six games for double-A Mobile, and will make his major league debut in a starting role tonight against the Reds. Augenstein will be facing a former Midwest League star as Cincinnati sends former Dayton Dragons pitcher Johnny Cueto to the mound tonight. Augenstein was 5-1 with a 2.16 ERA in 13 starts with South Bend in 2008.

Also joining the Diamondbacks is left-handed reliever Clay Zavada. Zavada pitched for South Bend in 2008 as well, going 3-1 with a 0.51 ERA in 24 appearances. He allowed just two earned runs in 35.1 innings for the Silver Hawks in 2008. This season with Mobile, Zavada was 1-0 with a 2.51 ERA in nine games. He is expected to join the Diamondbacks bullpen and will be in uniform for tonight's game.

Finally, joining the offense for Arizona is outfielder Gerardo Parra, a Silver Hawk from 2007. Parra was hitting .361 in Mobile at the time of his promotion. While with South Bend, Parra batted .320 with six home runs and 51 RBI. Parra was a Midwest League all-star in 2007 and had a career average of .319 in four minor league seasons heading into 2009.

Arizona recently fired manager Bob Melvin and named A.J. Hinch to the managerial role. Hinch was the Vice President of Player Development for the Diamondbacks, and is very familiar with each of the three players that have been recently added to his team.

The Diamondbacks will be in action tonight at 9:40 PM Eastern Time.

The Silver Hawks were rained out Wednesday, but will play a doubleheader Thursday with a special 10:30 AM start for a School Day at the Cove. For more information on the Silver Hawks or to purchase tickets, fans are invited to visit www.silverhawks.com or call the front office at (574) 235-9988.

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Midwest League Stories from May 13, 2009


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