Wild Things Add Jake Belinda, Release Burns
WASHINGTON, Pa (August 4) - The Washington Wild Things have signed right-handed pitcher Jake Belinda. Belinda pitched at Lock Haven University and is the second player in school history to be selected in the MLB draft. Belinda was selected in the 10th round by the Atlanta Braves of the 2017 MLB Draft. In a corresponding move, the Wild Things have released right hander Aaron Burns.
The Port Matilda, Pennsylvania, native pitched during 2017 in the Appalachian League (Rookie-Ball) for the Braves’ organization, before splitting the first part of the 2018 campaign with that same Danville team and Class-A Rome. In 2017 with Danville, Belinda was 6-0 with a 3.64 ERA in 12 outings (1 start). He fanned 22 in 29.2 innings. In 2018, he accumulated 47.2 innings between the two clubs, fanning 46 and posting a 4.53 ERA.
“Jake was eager to join a team in contention. Being relatively local, he has had an awareness of the Wild Things,” said assistant general manager of baseball operations Tony Buccilli. “He has shown great progression to being a professional reliever. He is a natural competitor who likes to challenge. We look for him to add great versatility to our pen.”
Belinda finished his career at Lock Haven in 2017 with a senior season, in which he compiled a 6-2 record and led the Bald Eagles to the postseason for the first time since 2009. He also struck out 78 batters effectively setting the school’s single season record. Additionally, his 206 career strikeouts are the second most in school history. For his efforts, Belinda was named All-Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) First Team after the season ended in 2017.
After the 2016 season, Belinda spent the summer season with the West Virginia Miners of the Prospect League. He started the Prospect League All-Star Game and finished the season leading the team in strikeouts with 69, and was named the No. 9 prospect in the league after the season. With the Miners Belinda started nine games, made 10 appearances, finished with five wins and posted an impressive 2.06 ERA.
Burns was 2-1 with a 3.48 ERA this season, his second with the Wild Things. He made 14 appearances and one start in 2018.
Belinda will be active for tonight’s game against the Rascals, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
