SoCal Swinging Catcher Afenir Joins RiverDogs Roster
SALISBURY, MD - The New York Yankees have announced that C Audie Afenir has been called up to Class A Charleston from Extended Spring Training. In a corresponding move, C Radley Haddad has been assigned to extended camp to make room for Afenir.
A native of Escondido, California, Afenir joins the RiverDogs roster after beginning the season in Extended Spring training following his first professional season in Pulaski in 2015. The right-handed hitting backstop was selected in the 25th round by the Yankees out of Oral Roberts University last June before hitting 279/.347/.361 with one home run and 36 RBI in 60 games at the rookie ball level. Afenir spent last season mostly as Pulaski's designated hitter, starting 37 games at the DH spot while being behind the plate in 20 starts, and playing first base in three.
Prior to signing with the Yankees, Afenir spent his final three collegiate seasons at Oral Roberts University and impressed enough in his final season of eligibility to get the call from New York on draft day. As a redshirt senior in 2015, Afenir posted an impressive .347/.424/.472 line with 3 home runs and 43 RBI in 57 games with the Golden Eagles. Afenir led the Summit League in games played while ranking amongst the top-ten in the league in hits (75), doubles (16), at-bats (216), average, on-base percentage, RBI, walks (29), and slugging percentage.
Haddad leaves the RiverDogs for Tampa after batting .296 with a pair of RBI in eight games all behind the plate.
With the modified roster, the RiverDogs continue their seven-game road trip as they begin a four-game set with the Delmarva Shorebirds, the Class A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, from April 29-May 2. Fans can tune into WTMA 1250 AM in the tri-county area as well as online at riverdogs.com. Ticket information for any of the RiverDogs remaining home games this season may be secured by contacting the box office at (843)577-DOGS (3647) or online at www.riverdogs.com.
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