Gary, IN – The Gary SouthShore RailCats continue to augment their roster once again as pitchers Oddy Nuñez and Joan Valdez alongside utility player Gio Díaz make their way to The Steel Yard ahead of the 2023 American Association season.
Nuñez, 26, heads to the South Shore after six years in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. A native of Santiago, Dominican Republic, he signed as an international free agent, and he began his career as an 18-year-old in 2015. It did not take him long to get the organization’s attention, as he pitched to a 2.28 earned run average in 55.1 innings across 22 appearances during his first two seasons, striking out 47 batters while walking just 17 and maintaining a WHIP of 1.139 with the team’s Rookie League affiliates in the Dominican Summer League and Gulf Coast League.
Coming off that two-year stretch, Nuñez began to ascend through the organization. He earned a promotion to the Single-A West Virginia Power in 2017 followed by call-ups to the High-A Bradenton Marauders in 2018 and the Double-A Altoona Curve in 2021, splitting time between the starting rotation and the bullpen along the way.
In 2022, Nuñez got his first taste of MLB Partner League baseball, spending the entire season in the Frontier League with the Tri-City ValleyCats.
“Oddy provides us another left-handed arm with a lot of affiliated experience,” manager Lamarr Rogers said. “He’s an imposing figure on the mound, and I think he can be a real asset for us this season. I’m happy that I could get him to The Steel Yard this season.”
Valdez, 24, on the other hand, will make his MLB Partner League debut as a RailCat in 2023. Originally from San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, the Los Angeles Dodgers inked him to an international free agent contract and placed him with their Dominican Summer League affiliate at 18 years old in 2017. Over his two years there, he went 5-5 with a 2.27 ERA, 79 strikeouts, three saves, and a 1.000 WHIP in 91.0 innings spanning 34 appearances (14 starts).
The Dodgers moved Valdez stateside to pitch in the Arizona League in 2019, and at the start of 2021, he was elevated to the Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, where he spent the majority of the next two seasons. By 2022, he advanced to the High-A Great Lakes Loons.
“Joan put up really good numbers in the Dodgers organization, and I’m expecting that to translate well here in Gary,” Rogers said. “He’s still a young player, but he already has a lot of experience under his belt. I look forward to working with him here in Gary.”
Díaz, 24, who hails from Brentwood, California, heads to the South Shore for his second season in the MLB Partner Leagues.
Before turning professional, Díaz played collegiately at St. Mary’s College of California where he was a staple in their lineup during his three seasons. In 100 games, he batted .309 with 38 runs batted in, 94 hits, 16 doubles, 57 runs scored, and nine stolen bases. As a sophomore in 2019, he helped the Gaels to a 35-22 record and a berth in the West Coast Conference tournament.
At the conclusion of his college career, the Washington Nationals signed Díaz as a free agent in 2021, suiting up primarily for the Single-A Fredericksburg Nationals that season.
In 2022, Díaz got his first taste of MLB Partner League baseball as he signed for the Rocky Mountain Vibes of the Pioneer League. In 88 games, he set the competition alight as he slashed .394/.446/.463 with two home runs, 41 RBI, 16 doubles, 87 runs scored, 12 stolen bases, 32 walks, and 172 total bases. While his 148 established the franchise’s new single-season record, he also ranked second in the Pioneer League in that statistic while also finishing sixth in batting average and 12th in on-base percentage.
“Gio is a player with a lot of potential,” Rogers said. “He had an excellent season in the Pioneer league last year, and I’m excited to see how he adjusts to the level of competition in the American Association and takes the next step in his development. I’m excited to welcome him to the ‘Cats family!”
The RailCats 2023 season begins at the Steel Yard on Thursday, May 11 vs Winnipeg Goldeyes. Season ticket packages and group outings for the 2023 season can be reserved by calling 219-882-2255 or emailing [email protected].