2018 'Dads Opening Day Roster

Hickory, NC- The Hickory Crawdads and the Texas Rangers, their parent club, are pleased to announce the Opening Day roster for the 'Dads.The 2018 Opening Day roster features 28 players, including 15 pitchers, 4 catchers, 5 infielders, and 4 outfielders.

Twelve players will be returning to the 'Dads after having stints in Hickory during the 2017 season. Returner pitchers include A.J. Alexy, Reid Anderson, Dario Beltre, Demarcus Evans, Joe Kuzia, Sal Mendez, Tyler Phillips, and Grant Zawadzki. Position players that will be returning are Yohel Pozo, Ryan Dorow, Miguel Aparicio, and Eric Jenkins.
The 'Dads roster includes six of the Rangers Top 30 Prospects by MLB.com: outfielder Pedro Gonzalez (#9), pitcher A.J. Alexy (#16), outfielder Miguel Aparicio (#17), pitcher Alex Speas (#22), catcher Sam Huff (#24) and pitcher Tyler Phillips (#30).
Teams are allowed 26 players on the active roster so two players will be starting the season on the inactive list.
The 2018 Crawdads will make their debut in a friendly exhibition game against the Catawba Valley Community College Red Hawks on Monday, April 2^nd. The game will begin at 6pm with gates opening at 5pm. All tickets will be general admission seating and free of charge compliments of the Catawba County Partnership for Children. The Catawba County Partnership for Children will be on site collecting donations for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library for those that wish to donate. 
The Crawdads will open their season at L.P. Frans Stadium on April 12^th against the West Virginia Power. For more information about the Crawdads, including promotions, ticket books, and group outings please visit www.hickorycrawdads.com or contact the front office at (828) 322-3000.