Four moves on the Fourth
FRISCO, TEXAS (JULY 4, 2014) - The Frisco RoughRiders, Double-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers, celebrate Independence Day today with a quartet of roster moves. Centerfielder Ryan Strausborger rejoins the Triple-A Round Rock side, while utility infielder Edwin Garcia, returns to Advanced-A Myrtle Beach. In exchange, the RoughRiders receive outfielder Chris Grayson and infielder Hanser Alberto, both from the Advanced-A ranks.
Strausborger, 26, enjoyed a brief, but productive stint with the 'Riders. He arrived in Frisco immediately after the Texas League All-Star break on June 25 and played in eight Double-A games, all in center field. The 6-foot 180-pound speedster tallied at least one hit and one run scored in seven of eight games played, and batted .417 (15-for-36) with nine runs, one double, two triples, one home run, four RBI and one stolen base. He returns to Round Rock where he played 60 games earlier this season and posted a .253 batting average.
Garcia, 23, joined the RoughRiders on April 25 and played in 30 games at the Double-A level. The utility infielder started 25 games at shortstop, four at second and one at first. At 6-foot-1, 185 pounds, Garcia tallied hits in seven of his last nine games, but held a .206 batting average (21-for-102) with 14 runs, four doubles and six RBI. He also drew eight walks and 21 strikeouts with one stolen base. The Venezuelan began the 2014 campaign in Myrtle Beach and batted .400 (12-for-40) in 12 games played.
Grayson, 24, continues his Ping-Pong season as he returns for his third stint in Frisco. The 6-foot, 215-pound utility outfielder debuted the 2014 season on the 'Riders Opening Day Roster and was assigned to Advanced-A on May 12. Grayson rejoined the team on May 27, but lasted just over a week with the squad until the Rangers again shipped him to Myrtle Beach on June 4.
In 22 games with the RoughRiders this season, Grayson owns a .278 average (22-for-79) with 12 runs, six doubles, one home run and 14 RBI. He struck out 17 times and drew ten walks with one stolen base. In contrast, the southpaw posted a .287 mark (29-for-101) in 30 games in the Carolina League with 18 runs, six doubles, one triple, one home run and nine RBI with 12 walks, 22 strikeouts and seven swiped bags.
Alberto, 21, will make his 2014 Double-A debut, but played for the RoughRiders in 100 games one season ago. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound native of the Dominican Republic batted .213 with Frisco in 2013 with 37 runs, six doubles, four triples, four home runs, 40 RBI and 13 stolen bases. He opened this season with Myrtle Beach and played 69 games with the Pelicans (63 at shortstop and five at third base). Alberto batted at a .274 pace in the Carolina League with 37 runs, 15 doubles, three triples, five home runs, 43 RBI and ten stolen bases.
With the transactions today, Frisco's roster remains at 25 players, the Texas League limit.
The RoughRiders are in the midst of a six-game road trip in the state of Arkansas. Following the current three-game series with the Travelers, Frisco heads to Springdale, Arkansas for a three-game set with the Naturals.
The 'Riders next return to Dr Pepper Ballpark on Wednesday, July 9 to being a four-game series with the Corpus Christi Hooks. For tickets and information on how to see the RoughRiders in 2014, please call (972) 731-9200, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.RidersBaseball.com.
About the RoughRiders
The Frisco RoughRiders are the Double-A Affiliate of the Texas Rangers and play their games at Dr Pepper Ballpark in Frisco, Texas. The team has finished first among all Double-A minor league teams in attendance each season from 2005 - 2013. The RoughRiders are owned by Mandalay Sports Entertainment, winners of the "Baseball Organization of the Year" in 2008 by Ballpark Digest. For more information on Mandalay Baseball Properties, the Frisco RoughRiders, and Dr Pepper Ballpark, please contact Alex Vispoli at (972) 334-1976 or via email at [email protected].