Attacking pitching in the new free agency is also an important objective for the Baseball Operations department of the Leones del Escogido. This is confirmed by the agreements signed by the club with the rights Carlos Martínez and Jenrry Mejía.
“The arrival of both contributes to continue improving the depth of the team’s pitching, with players who can contribute to the red cause, a priority for us and the Operations group of the Chosen One,” declared José Miguel Bonetti Du-Breil, member of the Board Directive.
Martínez, 31, led with 53 strikeouts last season with the Águilas Cibaeñas and posted a 4-3 record with a 3.67 ERA in 49.0 innings. The Puerto Plata native has a 3.13 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 79 strikeouts in 72.0 innings during his Lidom career.
“The signing of Martínez excites us because he is a starter with stellar quality. It allows us to count on him immediately and for the entire tournament, something that will contribute a lot to the team,” said general manager Luis Rojas.
In the Major Leagues, “el tsunami” launched nine seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, where he was selected to the All-Star Game twice and posted a 62-52 record, 3.74 ERA and 927 strikeouts in 967.0 innings.
This summer Martínez will start games for the Tijuana Bulls in the Mexican Baseball League.
On his side, Mejía comes from working with the Toros del Este and for life in the Creole circuit he has totaled 70 games, 33 of them as a starter, with a 3.75 ERA, a 7-10 record and 121 strikeouts in 168.0 innings. In addition to bullfighting, he also worked with the Tigres del Licey.
“Jenrry is a great competitor. His preparation and work ethic have always given him the versatility to be a hybrid in his career. He can give depth to our rotation, just like the bullpen,” Rojas said.
Mejía, with five years of experience in the Major Leagues, will return for the second consecutive year with the Saraperos de Saltillo in Mexican baseball.
The signings of Martínez and Mejía increase the number of unrestricted free agents signed by the Lions to eight. Infielders Orlando Calixte and Wendell Rijo, outfielders Junior Lake, Abraham Almonte and Yeison Asencio, as well as first baseman Sandber Pimentel, were previously announced by the scarlets.
