LINCOLN – The Lincoln Saltdogs announced the signing of left handed pitcher Matt Portland today. The Saltdogs released LHP Zak Wasserman on Thursday. There are currently 26 players on the roster.
Portland was a 17th round draft pick of the Kansas City Royals in 2015. He spent two seasons playing for Idaho Falls in rookie league. The lefty posted a 4-3 record with a 4.55 ERA in 28 appearances for the Pioneer League squad.
Portland spent three years pitching at Northwestern University prior to being drafted. He collected a combined 6-13 record and a 4.53 ERA over 29 appearances as a Wildcat. He recorded a team-high 68 strikeouts his junior season. Portland tossed a complete game shutout against Nebraska leading to a Big Ten Pitcher of the Week award in May 2015.
Portland had a storied high school career in New York. He posted a perfect career record of 25-0 in his three season and earned first-team all-state honors twice. The southpaw threw a no-hitter and struck out 15 batters in a game against Penfield.
Portland’s father and grandfather both played baseball at Dartmouth and his cousin is 11-year MLB veteran pitcher Phil Hughes.
Wasserman has three years of professional experience and last pitched with Windy City of the Frontier League. The lefty was a hitter in college at the University of Louisville.
The Saltdogs open their Spring Training with a workout Saturday night.
The home opener for the Lincoln Saltdogs is Thursday, May 25th at Haymarket Park against the Cleburne Railroaders. Tickets are on sale and can be purchased by calling (402) 474-2255 or visiting Saltdogs.com. For the latest information on the Saltdogs follow the team on Facebook and Twitter/Instagram @saltdogsball.