Washington Claims FL All Star Off Waivers

WASHINGTON, Pa. - The Washington Wild Things have acquired a 2017 Frontier League All Star pitcher off waivers, the team announced today. Following his placement on revocable waivers, the Wild Things were awarded right-handed pitcher Ethan Gibbons from the Southern Illinois Miners.

Gibbons, according to a team release on his addition to the All-Star team this year, was Southern Illinois’ “go-to guy” for the first half of the season. At the time of his addition to the West Division squad, Gibbons had a team-leading five wins and 44 strikeouts in 45 innings pitched.

In 2017, Gibbons has made 15 appearances and nine starts. The year prior, Gibbons was with the Florence Freedom and had 14 saves in 2016. In 2015, the right-hander had a 1.81 earned run average in 49 innings coupled with 61 punchouts. Before that, the hard-throwing pitcher played with the Gary SouthShore Railcats of the American Association.

“The addition of Gibbons should pay dividends to the depth of our [pitching] staff,” said Washington’s director of team operations, Tony Buccilli. “We will make some determinations on his role in the next few days but his versatility and success in this league is noteworthy, as we look to bolster the roster for a playoff push.”

Gibbons played his final year of college baseball at Missouri Baptist University (NAIA), going 11-1 in 15 starts with a 2.20 ERA, 89 strikeouts and 21 walks in 98 innings in 2013. For his efforts he was awarded First Team NAIA All-American honors as well as the American Midwest Conference Pitcher of the Year award.

The right-hander is expected to join the Wild Things for the upcoming homestand that begins tomorrow, Wednesday, July 26, as the Normal CornBelters come to town. First pitch for the doubleheader tomorrow is scheduled for 6:05 p.m.