Wild Things Sign Bailey Matela to Active Roster, Will Make Debut in Florence
FLORENCE, Ky. (July 24) – Prior to today’s road-trip finale, the Wild Things have signed left-handed pitcher Bailey Matela, who will start tonight’s game against the Y’alls. The transaction fills an open spot on the active roster, as lefty Zander Sechrist was placed on the 7-Day Injured List yesterday and retroactive to Monday, July 6.
Matela comes to Washington’s roster after finishing his career at Old Dominion University, where he pitched four seasons and was 7-4 with a 6.06 career ERA in 77 games (two starts). In 90.2 innings, he allowed 66 hits and had 105 strikeouts, obviously being primarily used as a reliever.
This season, he was 2-1 in 21 appearances and made both of his starts in 2026. He had two saves and struck out 34 in 31.1 innings of work. The 6-foot-5 lefty pitched in Williamsport last summer in the MLB Draft League and started five games, going 2-1 with a 4.29 ERA in 21 innings of work. He struck out 26 and walked only eight in that work. He also did some work as a start in the summer of 2023 with Winchester in the Valley League.
Washington and Florence will finish their series with Washington looking for a sixth-straight win at 6:54 p.m.
The 24th season of Wild Things baseball in the MLB-partnered Frontier League is underway with more great baseball and entertainment to come. For updates, other information and more, visit washingtonwildthings.com or follow the team on social media at facebook.com/WashingtonWildThings or @WashWildThings on other platforms.
Go Wild at washingtonwildthings.com.
