We Got Wood - 40.15 - Two Way Success for Engeitado
Posted: Thu Oct 03, 2019 10:22 am
When the Lumberjacks traded for Faical Engeitado, it was assumed the organization would use him as a reliever. That's what he was listed as when they acquired him after all. But after a little research, and conversations with Engeitado, it was discovered and decided that he'd better serve the organization as an outfielder. Now, though, Engeitado is finding success as a two-way star early in the 2040 season for the Lumberjacks Single-A affiliate in Wise.
Through 13 games in 2040, Engeitado has started 8 games in right field for the Heaters in Wise while also starting 3 games on the mound! In the field, Engeitado is hitting .542 with a 1.524 OPS. "His bat is clearly superior to the talent he's seeing daily at the Single-A level" said Portland GM Chris Wilson. "In fact, his bat may be good enough to start on our big league time right. But that's not the main reason he's in the minors. We want to see if, by chance, he can also pitch."
And pitch Engeitado is doing. At least every 5th day, not as a reliever, but as a starter. Faical has made 3 starts on the season and has compiled an 0-2 record despite a solid ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.40. In his last start, he allowed 3 runs on 6 hits while striking out 5 in 6.2 innings pitched. He managed to go 6 innings in his previous start as well, though he allowed 13 hits. His opening start of the season was his best, in which he went 7.1 innings and allowed 2 runs on 5 hits. Engeitado commented on what it's like being a two-way player.
"It's challenge for sure" said Engeitado. "But fun at the same time. Unlike most pitchers, I don't have to worry about the downtime between starts. But unlike most pitchers, I dont' get the preparation and scouting in as much either. So it has it's pros and cons. But I enjoy it for now."
Lumberjacks GM Chris Wilson said the plans are to continue to use Faical in both roles to see if might be able to manage both. Projected as a 6-5-7 pitcher, it's probably not likely Engeitado will ever make it as a pitcher, but the option is intriguing for the new franchise.
Through 13 games in 2040, Engeitado has started 8 games in right field for the Heaters in Wise while also starting 3 games on the mound! In the field, Engeitado is hitting .542 with a 1.524 OPS. "His bat is clearly superior to the talent he's seeing daily at the Single-A level" said Portland GM Chris Wilson. "In fact, his bat may be good enough to start on our big league time right. But that's not the main reason he's in the minors. We want to see if, by chance, he can also pitch."
And pitch Engeitado is doing. At least every 5th day, not as a reliever, but as a starter. Faical has made 3 starts on the season and has compiled an 0-2 record despite a solid ERA of 4.05 and a WHIP of 1.40. In his last start, he allowed 3 runs on 6 hits while striking out 5 in 6.2 innings pitched. He managed to go 6 innings in his previous start as well, though he allowed 13 hits. His opening start of the season was his best, in which he went 7.1 innings and allowed 2 runs on 5 hits. Engeitado commented on what it's like being a two-way player.
"It's challenge for sure" said Engeitado. "But fun at the same time. Unlike most pitchers, I don't have to worry about the downtime between starts. But unlike most pitchers, I dont' get the preparation and scouting in as much either. So it has it's pros and cons. But I enjoy it for now."
Lumberjacks GM Chris Wilson said the plans are to continue to use Faical in both roles to see if might be able to manage both. Projected as a 6-5-7 pitcher, it's probably not likely Engeitado will ever make it as a pitcher, but the option is intriguing for the new franchise.