SIOUX FALLS, SD – The Lincoln Saltdogs announced today that the team signed right-handed pitcher Mikey O’Brien. The former Winnipeg Goldeyes pitcher is expected to start tonight in Sioux Falls. The Saltdogs placed LHP Brian Smith on the Disabled List.
O’Brien is in his 11th professional season and has reached as high as Triple-A. The righty spent the last two seasons pitching for the Winnipeg Goldeyes where he compiled a 20-9 record with a 4.50 ERA over 44 appearances. O’Brien helped the Goldeyes to the league championship each of the last two seasons. He proved to be a reliable starter, eating up over 120 innings and finishing in the top 15 in the league in innings pitched in each of the last two years.
The 28-year-old started this season in the Triple-A Mexican League. He went 1-0 with a 4.41 ERA in four appearances for the Generales de Durango.
O’Brien spent the first eight years of his career bouncing between the Yankees, Reds, Orioles and Rays organizations. He was 43-44 with a 3.78 ERA in his minor league career. He reached Triple-A Louisville in the Reds system in 2014 and was 0-2 with a 4.65 ERA in seven outings.
The Saltdogs expect O’Brien to join the starting rotation immediately. He will likely fill the role of RHP Shairon Martis who was recently released because of injury.
Lincoln (8-6) opens a three-game series against the Sioux Falls Canaries (4-8) at the Birdcage tonight. First pitch is at 7:05 PM with coverage beginning at 6:35 PM on ESPN 101.5 FM 1480 AM and saltdogs.com.
The Saltdogs return home for a six-game homestand beginning on Monday.
For more information on the Saltdogs, follow the team on Facebook and Twitter/Instagram @saltdogsball. For ticket information visit https://saltdogs.com/tickets/ or call (402) 474-2255.