Ducks add pair of pitchers to 2018 roster
(Central Islip, N.Y., April 11, 2018) – The Long Island Ducks today announced the signings of left-handed pitcher Ashur Tolliver and right-handed pitcher Carlos Pimentel. Both players will begin their first season with the Ducks.
“Ashur and Carlos have both found success at every level throughout their careers,” said Ducks President/GM Michael Pfaff. “Both pitchers are welcome additions to the roster, and we are excited to watch them take the mound.”
Tolliver has spent parts of two seasons in the Major Leagues, including a stint with the 2017 World Series champion Houston Astros. In three appearances with Houston, he allowed just two runs over five innings while striking out five batters. The Little Rock native also pitched in five games for the Baltimore Orioles in 2016. The lefty hurled one and one-third scoreless and hitless innings in his big league debut on May 26 against the Astros, striking out three. He later earned his first MLB victory on June 24 against the Tampa Bay Rays, tossing a scoreless two-thirds of an inning.
The 30-year-old split most of the 2017 campaign with the Fresno Grizzlies (AAA, Astros) and Arkansas Travelers (AA, Mariners). In 36 appearances, he accrued a 3-0 record and 35 strikeouts over 43 and one-third innings. The Oklahoma City University alum spent the first seven seasons of his career in the Orioles organization and then joined the Los Angeles Angels system in 2016. He set career-highs in appearances (39), innings pitched (58.2) and strikeouts (61) while posting a 2.91 ERA with the Bowie Baysox (AA, Orioles) in 2015. Tolliver was originally drafted by the Orioles in the fifth round of the 2009 amateur draft.
Pimentel spent the majority of 2017 with the Lincoln Saltdogs of the American Association. In 14 starts, he compiled a 7-4 record, one complete game shutout and 88 strikeouts to just 26 walks over 84 and two-thirds innings of work. The 28-year-old was unbeaten in his first seven starts of the season, earning victories in five, and pitched six or more innings in nine of his outings. He also made three starts with Saraperos de Saltillo in the Mexican League.
The Dominican Republic native turned in a career year with the Iowa Cubs (AAA, Cubs) in 2015. He totaled a 12-6 record with a splendid 2.95 ERA, two complete games and 118 strikeouts over 27 appearances (26 starts). For his efforts, he was named Pacific Coast League’s Pitcher of the Year and was selected as a Mid-Season and Post-Season All-Star. The righty was also a Mid-Season All-Star selection in 2013 with the Frisco RoughRiders (AA, Rangers), going 8-7 with a 4.09 ERA and 122 strikeouts in 22 games (21 starts) that year. Pimentel was originally signed as an amateur free agent by the Texas Rangers in 2007.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 38 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment. For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
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