LINCOLN – The Lincoln Saltdogs announced yesterday that they signed right-handed pitcher Brian McAfee to a contract. The Saltdogs released infielder Tommy Mendonca.
McAfee spent parts of two seasons in the Tampa Bay Rays organization before joining the Saltdogs. He pitched for Princeton in rookie ball in 2016 and was 1-1 with a 1.88 ERA in 11 outings. He struck out 24 batters in 28.2 innings compared to just two walks. He put up good numbers in Single-A this season. The righty was 0-3 with a 2.79 ERA in 11 games for the Bowling Green Hot Rods. McAfee was a 38th round pick in 2016.
McAfee went to Cornell and Duke for college. He spent his first four seasons at Cornell, earning first team All-Ivy League honors in his final year. He led the team with a career-best 1.77 ERA and held opponents to a .210 batting average. At Duke, McAfee posted a 7-5 record and a 4.11 ERA in 14 starts. He tossed three complete games and one shutout in his 2016 season. In his five NCAA seasons, he struck out 179 hitters compared to just 37 walks.
The 24-year-old starred at Bothell High School in Washington. He led his team to the state 4A championship his senior season by compiling a 10-0 record with a 0.55 ERA. He was named the 4A Player of the Year.
Mendonca was having an outstanding season for the Saltdogs. The lefty hit .348 with three home runs and 14 RBIs in 28 games. The former College World Series Most Outstanding Player suffered a hamstring injury at Fargo and re-aggravated the injury on Wednesday against Kansas City.
The Saltdogs will turn to McAfee to start tonight against the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks at Haymarket Park. First pitch is at 6:45 PM with coverage beginning at 6:15 PM on ESPN 1480 and saltdogs.com.
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.