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Veteran pitchers Sean Poppen and Jordan Holloway join Trash Pandas roster

The two hurlers have combined for 78 Major League appearances over their careers
May 7, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Angels announced three roster moves that affected the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Veteran right-handed pitchers Sean Poppen and Jordan Holloway have joined the Trash Pandas roster from the ACL Angels, and in a corresponding move, RHP Ryan Costeiu has been transferred to

MADISON, Ala. – On Wednesday, the Los Angeles Angels announced three roster moves that affected the Rocket City Trash Pandas. Veteran right-handed pitchers Sean Poppen and Jordan Holloway have joined the Trash Pandas roster from the ACL Angels, and in a corresponding move, RHP Ryan Costeiu has been transferred to High-A Tri-City.

Holloway, 28, was signed by the Angels as a minor league free agent on April 23. The former 20th-round selection by the Miami Marlins in 2014 appeared in 13 games for Miami in 2021, recording a 2–3 record with a 4.00 ERA and 36 strikeouts over 36 innings. His 2022 MLB stint was brief, with a single appearance before undergoing arthroscopic elbow surgery in August, ending his season. Holloway made his MLB debut on July 26, 2020, pitching a scoreless 1/3 inning against the Philadelphia Phillies.

After electing free agency in November 2022, Holloway signed minor league contracts with the Chicago Cubs and later the Chicago White Sox in 2023. In February 2024, he joined the Seattle Mariners organization on a minor league deal and elected free agency again in November 2024. The Colorado native was drafted straight out of Ralston Valley High School, foregoing his commitment to the University of Nebraska Omaha.

Poppen, 31, was signed by the Angels as a minor league free agent on April 28. The former 19th-round selection by the Minnesota Twins in 2016 has appeared in 63 MLB games for the Twins, Pirates, Rays, and Diamondbacks since 2019, with his last big league appearance coming in 2022. Over his MLB career, he's posted a 3-3 record and a 5.08 ERA, tossing 67.1 innings, striking out 67, and walking 30. After being drafted, he progressed through the Twins' minor league system, including a stop with Pensacola, and made his MLB debut on June 19, 2019, against the Boston Red Sox. In his debut, he pitched four innings in relief, allowing three runs. Over his minor league career, he's appeared in 178 games, with a 29–31 record, 3.72 ERA, 532.1 innings pitched, and 524 strikeouts. He was part of the Montgomery Biscuits' roster in 2018. During that season, he made 18 appearances, including 14 starts, and recorded a 5–7 record with a 3.83 ERA over 94 innings pitched. He struck out 79 batters and maintained a WHIP of 1.23. In 2019, Poppen began the season with the Pensacola Blue Wahoos.

On October 1, 2020, Poppen was claimed off waivers by the Pittsburgh Pirates and made three appearances in 2021, posting a 7.71 ERA. He was designated for assignment in May 2021 and traded to the Tampa Bay Rays, but had a brief tenure there before being designated again in July. Claimed by the Arizona Diamondbacks in August 2021, he made 20 appearances that year with a 4.67 ERA. In 2022, he had a 2–2 record over 29 games with a 4.40 ERA. The San Diego Padres claimed him in December 2022, and he struggled in 2023 with the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas, recording a 1–4 record and a 6.33 ERA. He signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners in January 2024 but was released in April after two appearances. Later that month, he joined the Gastonia Baseball Club in the Atlantic League, posting a 5.11 ERA in 12 games before being released in June 2024. In January 2025, he signed with the Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos in the Mexican League, making three scoreless appearances. Poppen graduated from Harvard with honors in 2016, double majoring in Chemistry, Physics, and Engineering Sciences.

Costeiu, 24, has a 0–1 record with a 6.43 ERA over 14 innings pitched, 16 strikeouts, and 11 walks in five appearances (including one start). Costeiu's season began on April 4, with a three-inning relief appearance against the Chattanooga Lookouts, where he allowed three runs. His lone start came on April 11 against the Knoxville Smokies, yielding three earned runs over 3.1 innings. Subsequent outings included a 2.2-inning relief appearance on April 17 against the Montgomery Biscuits, where he gave up three runs, and a 3.0-inning stint on April 24 against the Birmingham Barons, allowing one run. His most recent appearance was on April 29, again facing the Smokies, where he pitched 2.0 innings and surrendered one run.

The Trash Pandas will try to get back into the win column on Thursday when they take on the Biscuits in game three of a six-game series at Toyota Field. First pitch is slated for 6:35 p.m. as southpaw Sam Aldegheri (1-1, 3.29 ERA) will go to the hill for the Trash Pandas against Montgomery righty Duncan Davitt (2-2, 3.60 ERA). Thursday is Soccer Night and Scarf Giveaway, as the first 1,500 fans through the gates will receive a commemorative Trash Pandas Soccer Scarf courtesy of Huntsville Compounding Pharmacy.

Single-game tickets are available, starting at just $8 for general admission and $16 for field-level seats. They can be purchased online at tptix.com. Fans can also purchase tickets in person during regular business hours at the Wicks Family Foundation Box Office or by calling 256-325-1403, option 1.

Fans can book their group outings for the 2025 season by visiting trashpandasgroups.com or by calling the group sales department directly at (256) 325-1403, option 2. 20-game mini-plans are also available at tptix.com.

Homestand Highlights: July 18-20 vs. Columbus

July 16, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas welcome the Atlanta Braves' affiliate, Columbus Clingstones, to Toyota Field for the first time this weekend, Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20. This weekend includes back-to-back Fireworks Shows, a visit from the Tennessee Titans, Margaritaville Night with Jersey Auction, and the

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July 14, 2025

MADISON, Alabama – For the second consecutive week, a Rocket City Trash Pandas infielder has earned Southern League Player of the Week honors. Sam Brown was recognized by Minor League Baseball for his standout performance during the week of July 8–13. In Rocket City’s road series against Chattanooga, Brown led

Guzman Makes History as Trash Pandas Roll Into Break With Series Split

Rocket City out-hit Chattanooga 12-9 with Sam Brown and Oscar Colás adding three hits each in the loss
July 13, 2025

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Trash Pandas' Bats and Bullpen Dominate in 10–3 Win Over Lookouts

Five Rocket City arms combined for 15 strikeouts and no walks in the win
July 13, 2025

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (5–12, 29–56) pounded out 13 hits and got a stellar performance from their bullpen to earn a 10–3 blowout win over the Chattanooga Lookouts (8–8, 46–36) on Saturday night at AT&T Field. With the victory, Rocket City will now aim for a

Colás Goes Deep, Ureña Steady as Trash Pandas Rally

Brady Choban closed the door in the ninth for his second straight save
July 10, 2025

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (4-10, 28-54) rallied late on Wednesday night to earn a 4–3 win over the Chattanooga Lookouts (6-7, 44-35) in the second game of their series at AT&T Field. Oscar Colás led the charge with a two-run homer, his seventh of the season,

Denzer Guzman named Southern League Player of the Week

The 21-year-old led the league last week with a 1.316 OPS
July 8, 2025

MADISON, Alabama – Rocket City Trash Pandas infielder Denzer Guzman has been named the Southern League Player of the Week by Minor League Baseball for the week of July 1–6. In a six-game split series against the Knoxville Smokies, Guzman led the league with a 1.316 OPS and seven extra-base

Edwards hits go-ahead homer, Klassen fans nine in 2-1 win over Smokies

George Klassen struck out nine over 5.0 innings on Saturday night in Knoxville
July 5, 2025

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – Starter George Klassen matched his season high by recording nine strikeouts, and Evan Edwards hit the go-ahead home run in the seventh inning to break a 1-1 tie, leading the Rocket City Trash Pandas (3-8, 27-52) to a 2-1 victory over the Knoxville Smokies (5-6, 38-42) on

Trash Pandas burst five bombs in air, leaving Smokies with red glare in a 10-8 win

Colas leads the way with three dingers in Rocket City win
July 3, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – Oscar Colas pelted three solo homers, and Josh Crouch whistled a three-run go-ahead dinger in the eighth as the Trash Pandas (2-7, 26-51) came from behind to defeat the Knoxville Smokies (4-5, 33-38) 10-8 in front of 7,157 raucous fans Thursday night at Toyota Field The Trash

Streak Snapped! Trash Pandas blast Smokies 9-1 to end skid

Denzer Guzman hit his ninth home run, and Sam Aldegheri delivered 6.0 one-run innings in Wednesday's win
July 2, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – It's over! On Wednesday night, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (1-7, 25-51) ended their 16-game losing streak by blasting the Knoxville Smokies (4-4, 36-40) at Toyota Field, 9-1. Denzer Guzman hit a three-run home run that capped off a four-run third inning, and the Trash Pandas never

George Klassen named to 2025 All-Star Futures Game

Klassen will represent the Trash Pandas and the LA Angels in the July 12 game at Truist Park in Atlanta
June 30, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – Rocket City Trash Pandas right-handed pitcher George Klassen has been chosen to participate in the 2025 All-Star Futures Game. This 26th edition of the Futures Game will take place at 3:00 pm CT on Saturday, July 12, at Truist Park in Atlanta. Klassen will represent the Trash

Rain spoils Trash Pandas' winning hopes on Sunday despite tying the game in the ninth

June 29, 2025

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (0-6, 24-50) suffered a heartbreaking 15th straight loss on Sunday, as rain interrupted the series finale in the ninth inning. The Montgomery Biscuits (6-0, 43-31) won the game at Riverwalk Stadium 6-5 in a rain-shortened eight-inning contest. The two teams will not

Independence Week and Fourth of July Festival coming up at Toyota Field

June 26, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas are thrilled to announce a week-long Independence Day celebration as they host the Knoxville Smokies at Toyota Field from July 1-3. The festivities will include an Independence Eve Celebration and Fireworks, presented by SAIC, and a Fourth of July Festival culminating with

Fatherhood, Baseball, and Life Lessons

Andy Schatzley, Rod Barajas, and Sean Poppen share stories of fatherhood
June 15, 2025

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Wednesday's doubleheader suspended, will resume on Thursday

The game will resume on Thursday at 4:05 pm with a seven-inning game to follow, DH is scheduled for Saturday
June 18, 2025

Madison, Ala. – Game one of Wednesday's doubleheader between the Rocket City Trash Pandas and the Chattanooga Lookouts at Toyota Field has been suspended. This game will resume on Thursday at 4:05 pm, followed by a second seven-inning game approximately 45 minutes after the conclusion of the first. On Wednesday,

Homestand Highlights: June 17-22 vs. Chattanooga Lookouts

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June 16, 2025

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Trash Pandas show off their Butts, and win 4-1 over Blue Wahoos

George Klassen tossed six shutout innings to earn the win on Friday night
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MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (24-35) kicked off a weekend celebration of Alabama's rich BBQ history on Friday night by playing as their alternate identity, the Bama Butts. They posted a 4-1 victory over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (30-21) in front of 5,381 fans at Toyota Field.

Christian Moore Launched to the League 

2024 First Round Pick Christian Moore Headed to the Angels
June 13, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – Former Trash Pandas infielder Christian Moore is headed to the majors after the Los Angeles Angels purchased his contract today. He becomes the 41st Trash Pandas player to make his major league debut. After a slow start to the season, Moore was riding a seven-game hitting streak

Pandas win second-straight over Wahoos, 5-4, on Thursday

The Trash Pandas are 9-6 over their last 15 games with a 2.80 ERA as a staff
June 12, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – On Thursday night at Toyota Field, the Rocket City Trash Pandas (23-35) captured their second consecutive victory, knocking off the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (30-30) 5-4. Mitch Farris struck out 10 batters over 6.1 innings, allowing the Pandas' offense to overcome a 3-0 deficit. The win gives Rocket

Pandas walk off Pensacola on Cole Fontenelle's 10th inning single

The Trash Pandas pounded out 12 hits on Wednesday and received another quality start from Walbert Ureña
June 11, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (22-35) bounced back on Wednesday with a 5-4 walk-off victory over the Pensacola Blue Wahoos (30-29), thanks to Cole Fontenelle's RBI single in the 10th inning. The Pandas out-hit the Blue Wahoos 12-11 and received another quality start from pitcher Walbert Ureña.

Hurtado stymies Barons 3-1 on Saturday night

Josh Crouch and Denzer Guzman homer to back Hurtado's start
June 7, 2025

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Joel Hurtado (W, 5-4) delivered his team-best sixth quality start of the season on Saturday night, leading the Rocket City Trash Pandas (21-33) to a 3-1 victory over the Birmingham Barons (30-25). The win gives Rocket City a 3-2 advantage in the series, heading into the finale

Barons win slogfest over Trash Pandas 11-6

Myles Emmerson homered and Nelson Rada increased on-base streak on Friday
June 7, 2025

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – Nelson Rada extended his league-leading on-base streak to 15 games on Friday night, but the Rocket City Trash Pandas (20-33) fell 11-6, their second straight loss to the Birmingham Barons (30-24) at Regions Field. Rada recorded his fourth three-hit game of the season, finishing 3-for-5 with a

Trash Pandas shut out Barons 1-0 in Rickwood Classic

Four Rocket City hurlers combined for a seven-hit shutout to earn first 1-0 win since 2022
June 4, 2025

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – The Rocket City Trash Pandas (20-31) continued their winning ways on Wednesday afternoon, grabbing a 1-0 victory over the Birmingham Barons (28-24) during the Rickwood Classic. With this win, the Trash Pandas improved to 6-2 over their last eight games and took a 2-0 lead in the

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Jared Southard picked up the win and ran scoreless streak to 6.2 innings
June 4, 2025

The Rocket City Trash Pandas (19-31) started their six-game road series in Birmingham on Tuesday night with a 3-2 victory over the Birmingham Barons (28-23) in 10 innings. This win improved the Pandas' record to 5-2 in their last seven games as the series moves to historic Rickwood Field on

Sam Aldegheri recalled by Angels, Blankenhorn begins rehab assignment

June 2, 2025

MADISON, Ala. – The Los Angeles Angels made the following roster moves on Monday, impacting the Rocket City Trash Pandas. They have recalled left-handed pitcher Sam Aldegheri, who will be joining the team in Boston. Additionally, outfielder Travis Blankenhorn has begun a rehabilitation assignment with the ACL Angels. This season,