AIGLES ADD NICARAGUAN HURLER ANGEL OBANDO
The Trois-Rivières Aigles' Spanish-speaking program continues to grow as manager Matthew Rusch signed Managua, Nicaragua pitcher Angel Obando!
A former New York Yankees prospect, Obando wore the same colors as Osman Gutierrez this winter in the Nicaraguan League, with the Gigantes de Rivas. In 19.1 innings of work, he has a record of three wins against no losses with a 1.86 ERA and a WHIP of 1.448. The 25-year-old right-hander also struck out 25 batters.
Prior to that, Obando played just over one season in the Yankees' Dominican Republic All-Rookie League in 2018 and 2019. In 48.2 innings, he had a 3.86 ERA, a 1.130 WHIP and 44 strikeouts.
"Obando will be a force for the Eagles on the mound this summer. His role is not yet settled, whether as a starter or a reliever, but he has had success at both positions," says Matthew Rusch enthusiastically.
"Osman Gutierrez told us that Obando was one of the best pitchers in the Nicaraguan Winter League. He even threw back-to-back no-hitters! I'm confident he's going to be competitive against Frontier League hitters with a good speed well over 90 miles per hour and a very efficient slider," added the manager.
Obando's signing joins outfielders Louis-Philippe Pelletier and Rodrigo Orozco, infielders Dalton Combs, Brendon Dadson, Brandon Hernandez and Edouard Savoie, as well as pitchers Osman Gutierrez, Didier Vargas, Logan Hofmann, Hernando Mejia, Michell Miliano and Kosei Naito. Receiver Willie Estrada also joined the group in a trade.
The Aigles will begin their 11th season history – their 3rd in the Frontier League – on May 10, 2024 when they visit the Sussex County Miners. As for the home opener at Stade Quillorama, it is scheduled for May 17, 2024 against the newest team in the circuit, the New England Knockouts.
