TROIS-RIVIÈRES ACQUIRES THREE FROM AMERICAN ASSOCIATION
The Trois-Rivières Aigles have made a deal with the American Association's Gary SouthShore RailCats to get pitchers Nick Garcia and Ryan Campbell and outfielder Nate Scantlin. In return, manager Matthew Rusch traded catcher Carlos Martinez.
Hailing from the College of Missouri Valley on the NAIA collegiate circuit, right-hander Nick Garcia has played the past two seasons with the RailCats in the American Association. Used both as a starter and as a reliever, the 25-year-old American has left his mark by being chosen on the mid-season All-Star team in 2022.
In 77 innings on the mound, he compiled a record of five wins and two losses. "Nick was a star player as a reliever and it's probably in relief that we'll use him to start the season. He's a guy who throws a lot of pitches. Every time you can acquire a pitcher who has been elected to an All-Star team, it's good news!" says field manager Matthew Rusch enthusiastically.
A 15th round pick of the Cincinnati Reds in 2017, outfielder Nate Scantlin played 90 games in affiliate baseball before starting his career in independent baseball in 2021. Last summer in 35 games with Gary, the 23-year-old had a .275 batting average in addition to collecting 36 hits, driving in 8 runs and stealing 16 bases.
"Nate has enjoyed success wherever he has played. He's a fast outfielder who will be able to fit in well at the top of our batting line-up, in addition to LP Pelletier. He is able to be solid defensively in addition to hitting the trails regularly and even stealing bases," notes the Aigles' manager.
Also a former Cincinnati Reds prospect (5th round in 2018), right-hander Ryan Campbell could become a formidable option in the bullpen. Last summer, he split his time between the RailCats of the American Association and the Lake Erie Crushers of the Frontier League. In 20.1 innings, all played in relief, he maintained a 4.87 ERA, giving up 21 hits while striking out 18.
"He's a colossus on the mound. He was throwing 95-96 miles per hour the year he was drafted. He then needed surgery on his elbow and by last year he was back to 91-92 miles per hour. We're going to need a tough pitcher like him in our bullpen who throws hard and is going to look for strikeouts on three strikes," states Rusch.
For his part, Carlos Martinez had decided to leave the Aigles in the middle of the season, last summer, for personal reasons. In 70 games with Trois-Rivières, the 27-year-old Dominican maintained a .336 batting average in addition to hitting 16 homers and producing 62 runs.
For the manager of the Birds, this is a winning transaction for both teams. "As it was clear that Martinez would not return to Trois-Rivières next season, the goal was to maximize the return for him rather than just letting him go. I am happy with the players I have been able to add to our formation. They are three quality players who come to improve us in the outfield and on the mound," Rusch analyzes.
The Aigles' training camp will get under way towards the end of April for the franchise's second season in the Frontier League. The first game is scheduled for May 12 as the Aigles visit the Tri-City ValleyCats. Then, the local opening will take place on May 23 when the Lake Erie Crushers will be at Expo Park.
