LINCOLN — The Saltdogs bolstered their roster Thursday, signing RHP Jhonny Montoya and honorable mention All-Southland Conference SS Leo Vargas.
Montoya, a 27-year old from Caracas, Venezuela, has appeared in 10 games for Washington (Frontier) and Fargo-Moorhead in 2014. The reliever is 0-0 with a 3.18 ERA, with 10 strikeouts in 11 1/3 innings of work.
In his five year career, Montoya is 12-16 with a 4.61 ERA in 261 1/3 innings. He pitched collegiately at Freed-Hardeman University (Tenn.) and began his professional career in 2010 for Rio Grande Valley of the United League.
Vargas comes to the Saltdogs after wrapping up his collegiate career at Nicholls State (La.), where he earned honorable mention All-Southland Conference honors at shortstop his senior season.
The 22-year old from Miami hit .299 with three home runs, 24 RBI and 17 stolen bases in his final campaign for the Colonels.
The signings bring the Saltdogs back up to the 22-player maximum, after INF Kevin Howard (hamstring) was placed on the disabled list retroactive to June 14, and INF Tony Viger was released Wednesday.
Howard is eligible to return from the disabled list as soon as Saturday when the 'Dogs are at Gary.
Lincoln finishes a four-game series at St. Paul Thursday night at 7:05 p.m., aiming to salvage the series split. Radio coverage begins at 6:35 p.m. on KFOR 1240, www.kfor1240.com and on TuneIn.