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Wild Things signs first former big league in team history
WASHINGTON, Pa. (August 23) – For the first time in franchise history, a former top player has signed with the Wild Things. Today, as the Frontier League trade deadline draws near, the team announced they have signed right-hander Rob Whalen, a former 12th round pick of the New York Mets, who made his debut. in the greats at 22 for Atlanta and spent part of 2016 -18 in MLB with Atlanta and Seattle.
Whalen has made eight starts at the major league level and is 1-3 with 27 strikeouts in 36 innings of work. He recently pitched for the Minnesota Twins’ organization with Triple-A St. Paul in 2021 after retiring from the game ahead of the 2019 campaign. His comeback run continues with Washington, who is one game away from the premiere. place the Northeast Division at the head of the Frontier League stretch race.
“[I’m] really excited to be back in my home state of pennsylvania joining the Wild Things for the remainder of the 2021 season, ”said Whalen.[And I’m] I can’t wait to hit the pitch with my new teammates and coaches.
Between two teams in the minors in 2014, he had a good season, with a 9-2 record in the Mets organization in 14 games (12 starts). He went 63 to just 21 walks in 69.2 innings with a 1.94 ERA. In 21 starts split between AA and AAA in the Braves’ system in 2016, he had an earned run average of 2.40 in 120 innings of work.
He made his debut August 3, 2016 against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Turner Field and struck out five strikes in five innings of work. He took the win after twice pulling out defeated Adam Frazier, Jeff Locke, David Freese and Jordy Mercer. His last game as it stands was on June 15, 2018, when he recorded four clean innings against the Boston Red Sox for Seattle. In 2017, he appeared in two games for the Mariners club and that solid outing was his only one in the greats of 2018.
Whalen retired from baseball ahead of the 2019 season, but left a comeback open. He was signed with the New York Mets system before COVID hit and he was released. He then drove for Amazon while continuing to train for his comeback and pitched 11 games (four starts) for the St. Paul Saints this season. St. Paul, formerly of the American Association, is the new Triple-A branch of the Twins.
“Rob gives us a veteran presence that we don’t really have in our pitching team,” said manager Tom Vaeth. “He will be a great addition and a resource for our young pitchers to learn as we move towards the right and continue our quest for a division title.”
For the organization, the signature is historic.
“It’s a great opportunity for the organization to host our first Major League. We have focused on creating a culture here in Washington and on our efforts to make it a destination for those who make a difference, ”said President and CEO Tony Buccilli. “Adding experience to the roster deadline was a priority for us. We think this group understands what they’re going to take in the home stretch.”
Whalen will wear the number 26 for the Wild Things and will be active for the series opener on Tuesday with the Tri-City ValleyCats, which have two former big leaguers. The contest begins a nine-game homestand for the Wild Things, who are within a Sussex County game for the lead of the Northeast Division. The first pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. For more information on promotions during the homestand or to purchase tickets, visit washingtonwildthings.com or call 724-250-9555.
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