MEDIA RELEASE
Contact: Kevin Fitzgerald
Saturday, July 1, 2017
Uceta Named SAL-BC® Relief Pitcher of the Month
Columbia’s Right-Hander Hurls 13.1 Scoreless Innings in June
COLUMBIA, SC – Columbia reliever Adonis Uceta was named the South Atlantic League-BC® Relief Pitcher of the Month for June, SAL President Eric Krupa announced. The 2017 All-Star did not allow a run in 13.1 innings in the month, and saved four games in four opportunities. What’s more spectacular is that Uceta’s scoreless inning streak stretches as far back as May 11; the right-hander hasn’t allowed a run in 20 innings (13 appearances).
The native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, struck out 16 batters in June and allowed just 10 hitters to reach base (seven hits, two walks, one hit by pitch). Uceta excels when the pressure is on. The 23-year-old has inherited 19 runners on the base-paths when he’s entered games this season; he has allowed just four of those runners to score (two of which were plated on a sacrifice fly and an infield single).
“He’s the guy you want with the ball in his hand when situations are tough,” Manager Jose Leger said. “He’s done a tremendous job and I’m very happy for him because he’s one of those guys who everybody likes in the clubhouse. Everybody enjoys having him.”
Uceta was signed by the Mets as an international free agent in 2013. This season with Columbia, the reliever is 3-0 with a 1.60 ERA and seven saves. He has the third-lowest batting average against (.143) in the league, and has struck out 39 hitters in 33.2 innings.
The South Atlantic League-BC® Relief Pitcher of the Month award is sponsored by BC® Powder, the "Preferred Pain Reliever of the South Atlantic League." The award is given to the most outstanding relief pitcher in the league for the prior month.
A real honor
ReplyDeleteSaw this in the NY Post:
ReplyDeleteOn the first day of the international signing period, the Mets locked up Dominican Republic shortstop Ronny Maurico, the 10th-ranked prospect according to MLBPipeline.com. He was reportedly given a $2.1 million signing bonus, the largest figure the Mets have given to an international prospect, surpassing the $1.75 million bonus they gave to Amed Rosario five years ago.
They also signed Dominican Republic outfielder Adrian Hernandez, ranked 18th by MLB Pipeline, to a reported $1.5 million.