Wingnuts Acquire All-Star Closer
Published on August 17, 2009 under American Association (AA)
Wichita Wingnuts News Release
WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts acquired All-Star closer Justin Dowdy in a trade with the Shreveport-Bossier Captains on Monday.
The left-handed Dowdy, who picked up 13 saves and held a 2.19 ERA in 36 games for the Captains this season, comes to Wichita in exchange for left-handed pitcher Richard Salazar and a player-to-be-named-later.
Dowdy was originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the 18th round in 2001 and has reached the AAA level over his nine-year professional career. Dowdy made the American Association All-Star team for the South Division this summer and notched two saves head-to-head against the Wingnuts in mid-July. Dowdy began the 2009 season with the Texas League's Midland RockHounds, Double-A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, before joining the Captains. The San Diego, CA native has more career strikeouts (544) than innings pitched (539.0), and entered the 2009 season with a 3.89 career ERA in 255 games.
The 26-year old had his most dominant season in 2007 as a member of the United League's Alexandria Aces. His 24 saves paced all closers that year. Dowdy struck out 102 hitters while walking just 22 and allowed only 21 hits in 52.2 IP. Even more impressive, Dowdy struck out the side 15 different times in his 48 appearances.
Dowdy reached AAA in 2008, posting a 3.75 ERA in 12.0 IP for the Sacramento Rivercats and has experience with four Major League organizations, including the White Sox, Mariners, Angels, and Athletics. Dowdy will be available from the bullpen when the Wingnuts open a three-game series versus Sioux City on Tuesday.
The Wingnuts have allowed 45 runs in the ninth inning, second-most in the league and have lost four games this season when leading after eight innings, also the second-highest total. Meanwhile, Shreveport-Bossier allowed only 21 ninth inning runs with Dowdy anchoring their bullpen, second fewest in the league.
Richard Salazar was 3-0 with three saves and a 3.44 ERA in 29 appearances, three as a starter. In almost two full seasons with the Wingnuts, Salazar went 8-7 with a 3.53 ERA in 140.1 IP over 57 appearances. Salazar is expected to join the Captains' starting rotation.
The Wingnuts return home on Tuesday, August 18th when they host the Sioux City Explorers at 7:05 p.m. For tickets and more information, contact the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.
American Association Stories from August 17, 2009
- Salazar shines in Captains debut - Shreveport-Bossier Captains
- Diablos fall in extra innings - El Paso Diablos
- Cats win in extra innings, 7-5 - Fort Worth Cats
- Captains ground Pelicans, 9-0 - Pensacola Pelicans
- Paduch named Pitcher of the Week - Lincoln Saltdogs
- First place Pelicans take on division rivals - Pensacola Pelicans
- Captains make three more big trades - Shreveport-Bossier Captains
- Nelson, Paduch Named American Association Players Of The Week - AA
- Diablos Trade Alvarez - El Paso Diablos
- Wingnuts Acquire All-Star Closer - Wichita Wingnuts
- Pelicans Acquire 2009 Caribbean Series MVP - Pensacola Pelicans
- Pensacola Sweeps El Paso with 11-7 Win - Pensacola Pelicans
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