Flame-thrower Ortiz promoted to Dash

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (July 18, 2013) - The Kannapolis Intimidators, Class A Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, have promoted right-handed pitcher Braulio Ortiz to the Class A-Advanced Winston-Salem Dash today. Ortiz, who went 0-4 with a 3.45 ERA in 22 games (eight starts), is coming off consecutive quality starts, the first two of his career. In a corresponding move, right-handed pitcher Tony Bucciferro returns to Kannapolis from Advanced Rookie Bristol.  

Ortiz, 21, moved into the Intimidators' starting rotation on June 5 and made an immediate impact, tossing the first 4.0 innings of a no-hitter at Hagerstown in the second game of a doubleheader. He went 0-3 with a 3.79 ERA (15 ER/23.1 IP) in eight starts after opening the season as a reliever, going 0-1 with a 3.00 ERA (9 ER/27 IP) with three saves in four chances over 14 appearances. The White Sox signed the 6'5", 205 lbs. flame-thrower out of the Dominican Republic July 1, 2011, and Ortiz spent his first two seasons in the Dominican Summer League, going 3-4 with a 4.58 ERA in 22 games (nine starts) before making his U.S. debut this season with Kannapolis.

Bucciferro, 23, has appeared in four games (three starts) over two stints with the Intimidators. He is 0-2 with a 6.75 ERA (12 ER/16 IP) with a save in his lone relief appearance. The former Michigan State Spartan has struck out 12 batters while walking one in the South Atlantic League. In three starts with Bristol, Bucciferro is 1-1 with a 2.41 ERA (5 ER/18.2 IP) and has not allowed an earned run in his last 13.0 innings. He has 25 strikeouts to just one walk in the Appalachian League. 

The Kannapolis Intimidators are in their 19th season of professional baseball and 13th season as the Class A Affiliate of the Chicago White Sox. The team plays at CMC-NorthEast Stadium, located off I-85 at exit 63. For ticket and promotional information, please call the F&M Bank Box Office at (704) 932-3267 or visit IntimidatorsBaseball.com.