AA Sioux City Explorers

X's Acquire Big Arm From Rockford

Published on April 22, 2011 under American Association (AA)
Sioux City Explorers News Release


SIOUX CITY, IA - The Sioux City Explorers have further fortified their starting rotation Friday by signing RHP Kyle Wright. The X's acquired his rights from the Rockford Riverhawks (North American League) and signed him to a 2011 contract.

Wright was selected in the 19th Round of the 2005 MLB Amateur Entry Draft by the Arizona Diamondbacks and played four years in their farm system, reaching High-A Visalia Rawhide. While in the Minors, the right-hander was utilized in the starting and relieving roles. He appeared in 119 games over four seasons, starting 34 games while finishing 31 and collecting a 4.03 ERA.

In 2009, Wright signed with the Rockford Riverhawks, then of the independent Frontier League. He had a breakout year as a starter, tallying a 10-6 record in 20 starts, pitching 7 complete games (2 of which were shutouts) while holding a 2.24 ERA, earning him the 2009 Frontier League ERA crown and All-Star title. He fanned 129 batters in 144.2 innings pitched while only allowing 41 free passes.

Last year with the transition to the Northern League, Wright continued his All-Star numbers by registering a 10-3 record in 18 starts. He recorded 83 strikeouts in 124 innings pitched, completing 3 games with 1 shutout. He ranked sixth overall in the Northern League with a 3.41 ERA, and tied for 5th in wins. Collectively in his two seasons with Rockford, Wright collected a 20-9 record with a 2.78 ERA, pitching 10 complete games and three shutouts. He struck out a total of 212 batters in 268.2 innings pitched, while giving up a meager 63 walks.

The Sioux City Explorers have also announced their non-roster invitees. LHP David Deminsky, RHP Matt Rossignol and INF Andrew Martirano will report for camp and try to earn a spot on the X's Opening Day roster. Deminsky played his college ball at St. Cloud State (MN) and was signed by the Minnesota Twins out of the 2010 MLB Amateur Draft. Rossignol and Martirano were both seen by Field Manager Stan Cliburn out of the California Winter League.

Spring Training for the X's starts on Saturday, April 30th at 10:00 a.m., going until 2:00 p.m. with practice open to the media and general public. The team will open their 2011 exhibition schedule in Huron, SD on May 6th and the following day the X's will stay in the state of South Dakota and travel to Yankton, SD with another exhibition game versus the Sioux Falls Fighting Pheasants. The X's will continue their exhibition schedule on May 9th in Topeka, KS versus the Kansas City T-Bones and will travel to Wichita on May 10th for their final exhibition tune up versus the Wingnuts. The 2011 regular season will kick off on May 12th, when the X's travel down to Fort Worth, TX to take on the Cats in a (4) game series, followed by (3) games against the defending American Association League Champions, the Shreveport-Bossier Captains. 2011 Individual Tickets are on SALE NOW. Reserve yours today by calling 712-277-9467!!

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