WICHITA, KS- The Wichita Wingnuts purchased the contract of right-hander Joe D'Alessandro on Monday afternoon.
A native of Woodbury, NJ, D'Alessandro was purchased from the Frontier League's Washington Wild Things. The righty began the 2009 season in the Atlantic League with the Lancaster Barnstormers where he was 1-1 with a 4.43 ERA in 18 appearances, striking out 15 batters.
Pitching in his first tour with the Wild Things in late 2008, D'Alessandro earned four saves while posting a 2.52 ERA in 25 innings. He struck out 26 while walking only 12.
D'Alessandro was originally drafted by the New York Mets in the 23rd round in 2005, reaching full-season Low-A ball with the Savannah Sand Gnats in 2007. Entering the 2009 season, D'Alessandro had struck out 71 hitters in 76.0 career innings pitched.
To make room for D'Alessandro, the Wingnuts released left-handed pitcher Ronnie Morales.
The Wingnuts open a four-game series tonight against the St. Paul Saints. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. For more information, call the Wingnuts' office at (316) 264-4625.
-Wingnuts-
