R.J. Freure returns to the Lincoln Saltdogs for a season, fresh off the experience of a lifetime pitching for Team Canada in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Freure appeared in 10 games for the ‘Dogs last year, going 1-1 with a 2.77 ERA across 13 innings before pitching for his country on the global stage this Spring. Freure pitched against Team USA at Chase Field in Phoenix, squaring off against all-world players like Mookie Betts, Mike Trout, Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, among others. Freure’s experience with the Saltdogs was his first in the American Association after the right-hander spent time in both the Astros and Braves organizations during his career. Freure is a product of the University of Pittsburgh, where he was drafted by the Astros in the 6th round of the 2018 MLB Draft. Freure is originally from Burlington, Ontario, Canada – a suburb of the greater Toronto area.