Carlos Zambrano to Start for Reading on Saturday

READING, Pa.---Right-handed pitcher Carlos Zambrano will be added to the Reading Fightin Phils roster and start for the team this Saturday when the team hosts the Harrisburg Senators at 7:05 p.m.

Signed by the Philadelphia Phillies as a minor league free agent on May 15, Zambrano has been pitching throughout the organization with hopes of returning to the majors. After a stint in extended spring training, he made two starts for the advanced-A Clearwater Threshers where he held opponents scoreless in 10 1/3 innings pitched while striking out five and walking four. 

Over 12 major league seasons, Zambrano is 132-91 with a 3.66 ERA. The 32-year old is best known for his 11 seasons with the Chicago Cubs from 2001 to 2011 where he posted a 125-81 record with a 3.60 ERA. With the Cubs, he was also named to the National League All-Star team three times in 2004, 2006, and 2008. The hurler was also the National League's win leader in 2006 after going 16-7. Against the Houston Astros in 2008, Zambrano pitched the lone no-hitter of his career.

A member of Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, Zambrano last pitched in the majors with the Miami Marlins in 2012 and went 7-10 with a 4.49 ERA.   

In addition to his pitching, Zambrano has made quite the name for himself at the plate. Known as one of the best hitting pitchers in baseball, he has won a Silver Slugger Award three times and holds a career .238 AVG with 24 HR and 71 RBIs. On Friday, Zambrano will get the chance to take a couple swings as the Fightins are playing the Senators, the Double-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals.

Tickets for Zambrano's start on Saturday with the Fightins are available by visiting Fightins.com, calling 610-370-BALL, or by visiting the Fightin Phils Ticket Office located at FirstEnergy Stadium. Saturday night's game will feature a post-game fireworks show thanks to Savage KIA.