Gary, IN – As the American Association season rapidly approaches, the Gary SouthShore RailCats continue to improve their roster by bringing back left-handed pitcher Trevor Lubking while and signing catchers Marco Hernandez and Ramces Urias. 

A stalwart on the mound at The Steel Yard, Lubking, 30, returns to the South Shore for his fourth year. He led the team in strikeouts (117) and innings pitched (117.0) in 2021 while his 4.85 earned run average placed 16th in the league. 

Ahead of the 2022 campaign, he was ranked 25th in the American Association Top 25 list. 

Hernandez, 24, a native of Maracay, Venezuela, enters his first season in the MLB Partner Leagues following six in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. He originally signed as an international free agent and began his professional career in the Dominican Summer League as an 18-year-old in 2016. After two seasons in the Dominican Republic, Hernandez made his way stateside, suiting up for the AZL Dodgers and Ogden Raptors, the team’s Rookie League affiliates, in 2018 and 2019. 

When Minor League Baseball returned in 2021 following the COVID-19 pandemic, Hernandez progressed to the Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, where he spent the next two years. Through 20 games in 2022, he sported an on-base percentage of .405, a .386 slugging percentage, two home runs, and 11 runs batted in. 

“Marco provides another really good option behind the plate,” manager Lamar Rogers said. “I think his time in the Dodgers organization is going to serve him well here in Gary, especially with handling the pitching staff. I’m excited to welcome him to the RailCats!” 

Originally from Yuma, Arizona, Urias, 23, makes his professional baseball debut in 2023. Before that, he played collegiately at Bluefield University and Phoenix College. 

As a sophomore in 2021, Urias batted .290 with two home runs, nine RBI, 18 hits, nine runs, and two triples in 18 games. 

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].