The Kansas City T-Bones have announced the re-signing of pitcher Dustin Loggins and the acquisition of pitcher Albert Ayala.
Loggins, a 6-foot-5, 210-pound right hander from Waynesville, Mo., signed originally with the T-Bones on July 13, 2012, after a collegiate career at College of the Ozarks.
He appeared in 13 games for the T-Bones, going 0-1 with 14 strikeouts and posting a 5.82 ERA in 17 innings.
“We feel comfortable with Loggins since he worked with (pitching coach Andy Shipman) and spent part of a season with our club,” said T-Bones manager Kenny Hook. “He’s going to continue to get better, which he’s showing in Australia. I’ve talked to the manager there, and he’s being used in pressure situations. I think he’ll be successful in our league this year.”
The T-Bones acquired Ayala to complete the November 27 trade of catcher Pat Trettel to the Washington (Pa.) Wild Things of the Frontier League.
Ayala, a 6-foot-1, 170-pound right-handed reliever from Miami, split time last season between Southern Illinois and River City (both of the Frontier League). Ayala gave up 14 runs in 42 2/3 innings (2.95 ERA) and saved nine games. In six pro seasons, Ayala, 26, has a 12-17 record with 17 saves and a 4.94 ERA.
“He has a live arm in the low-90s with an outstanding chang-eup,” Hook said of Ayala. “This is one of those trades that, I think, is good for everyone. Trettel is from Pennsylvania, so he’s going home and can contribute to Washington, and we need help in the bullpen, so I’m as excited about Ayala coming here as he is.”
Additionally, the T-Bones placed infielder Adam De La Garza and pitcher Justin Ziegler on Irrevocable Waivers for the purpose of giving each his unconditional release.
