LINCOLN — The Saltdogs are proud to announce the contract of C Jose Gil was sold to the New York Yankees Tuesday, bringing the tally to four former Lincoln players signed by MLB organizations during the 2013 season.
Gil, a 26-year old from Barcelona, Venezuela, returns to the system in which he spent the first eight seasons of his career. Gil is expected to report to Double-A Trenton of the Eastern League.
In seven games played for the Saltdogs, Gil threw out two out of four would-be base stealers, and picked a runner off first base. He hit .160 with a home run and two runs scored.
Gil signed with the Saltdogs June 28 after he had been released by the Baltimore Orioles earlier in the 2013 campaign.
During the course of his nine year professional career, Gil has hit .236 with 41 home runs and 241 RBI. Though he reached Triple-A in 2011 and 2012 for the Yankees, he spent the majority of those years at Double-A Trenton.
Gil joins Dennis Raben (Royals), Joe Bisenius (Braves), Eddie McKiernan (D-backs) as ex-Saltdogs to be signed by MLB clubs, the highest total for a American Association franchise in the first half of the season.
Lincoln sold five players to MLB organizations during the 2011 season, which is believed to be a American Association record.
The Saltdogs aim for their third straight win Tuesday night at 7:05 p.m. in Sioux Falls. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240.