Wild Things Sign Former Astros Farmhand, Cuban Right Hander Jesus Balaguer
WASHINGTON, Pa. (August 7) - Today the Wild Things announced the addition of Jesus Balaguer, a Cuban-born right hander and former farmhand of the Houston Astros. Balaguer will be active for tonight's game at the Joliet Slammers. In a corresponding move, right-handed pitcher Trevor Bradley was placed on the 14-Day disabled list, retroactive to August 6.
Balaguer signed as an international free agent with the Astros on April 11, 2017. He pitched in 2017 for the organization and again for it this year, before his release.
The affiliated time was after a few seasons playing professionally in Cuba. While playing in Cuba, Balaguer played for the same Industriales team as Yasmany Thomas, who debuted with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2016, and with current Houston first baseman and World Series Champion Yuli Gurriel. He's also prior been teammates in Cuba with current Wild Things' first baseman Reydel Medina.
"We received positive reports on Jesus from the Astros and Reydel Medina. He has historically shown the ability to be a power pitcher and stifle hitters," said assistant general manager of team operations Tony Buccilli. Part of our plan is to allow him to reset his mechanics and get him back to his normal routine. We look forward to seeing him compete and challenge hitters late in games."
Balaguer had his best season in Cuba in 2014-15, as he went 6-1 with a 3.60 ERA with Industriales in 36 appearances out of the bullpen. He tossed 45 innings and allowed just 18 earned runs with 37 strikeouts.
The 24-year old split time with Greeneville (Rookie, Appalachian League), Tri-City (Low-A, New York-Penn League) and Quad Cities (Class A) in 2017. He pitched seven scoreless innings with Greeneville, struck out 14 and walked just two. After his promotion to Tri-City, he pitched 7.1 innings and allowed three hits and one run, with 10 strikeouts and three walks. He then was promoted to Quad Cities and tossed 18.2 innings. He was 4-1 with the Class A squad, and struck out 29 batters in those 18.2 innings.
In 2018, Balaguer played for the Bueis Creek Astros of the Carolina League (Advanced A). He was 3-4 with a 5.13 RA in 23 games before his release. In 33.1 innings, he allowed 20 runs (19 earned) on 20 hits, and once again was over a strikeout per inning, with 43 in that work.
Balaguer will be active for tonight's series opener against the Joliet Slammers, which is set for an 8:05 p.m. ET first pitch.
