News Archive
Otters pitcher Riley signed by Acereros de Monclova
6/18/2022
EVANSVILLE, Ind. – The Evansville Otters have announced that relief pitcher Joe Riley has been signed by the Acereros de Monclova of the Mexican Baseball League.
The Liga Mexicana de Beisbol, or the Mexican Baseball League, is a high-level, minor professional baseball league in Mexico. Many teams currently roster former Major League Baseball players.
Riley, from Alameda, Calif., was currently in his second season with the Otters and having a tremendous season as one of the key relievers out of the Otters’ bullpen. He usually pitched as a setup guy in the eighth inning ahead of Otters closer Logan Sawyer.
The right-hander went 3-1 with a 1.64 ERA and 19 strikeouts in 12 games and 11 innings. He recently recorded a save earlier this week at Schaumburg for the Otters.
“We’re excited to see Joe get this opportunity at a high level of professional baseball,” Otters pitching coach Max Peterson said. “He received an invite to Spring Training in Mexico earlier this year and impressed many then. He’s a tough competitor with a great arsenal.”
Riley came to Evansville in the middle of the 2021 season after being acquired in a trade with the Sioux City Explorers of the American Association.
“Couldn’t be happier for Joe in getting this opportunity after seeing the work he’s put in since arriving in Evansville,” Otters manager Andy McCauley said. “We’re excited to see him pitch against some great talent in Mexico, and we wish the best of luck to him with Monclova.”
In his career and two seasons with the Otters, Riley posted a 3-1 record and a 2.13 ERA. He totaled 37 strikeouts in 22 games and 25.1 innings.
Riley is the third Otter in the last week to sign out of Evansville and into the ranks of MiLB, as pitcher Tim Holdgrafer and infielder Gary Mattis signed into MLB farm systems earlier in the week.
The Evansville Otters are the 2006 and 2016 Frontier League champions.
The Otters play all home games at historic Bosse Field, located at 23 Don Mattingly Way in Evansville, Ind. Stay up to date with the Evansville Otters by visiting evansvilleotters.com, or follow the Otters on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
For more information, visit evansvilleotters.com or call (812) 435-8686.
