Hawks Slump After More Injuries
Major Trade Brings Pitching Help
by Caitlen Sullivan
Halifax Chronicle Herald Sports Editor
June 21, 2025
Since our last report the Hawks dropped seven of nine immediately after the effect of the two previous trades we discussed. A couple of major injuries did not help even one little bit. Then the team managed to rally to win five of the next nine with two new pitchers on the roster. And today the Hawk front office announced a major deal to bring Louisville starting pitcher Roberto Rodriguez to Halifax. He is expected to be on the mound versus his old team tonight in Louisville.
How the New Players Recently Acquired Have Been Doing:
- New infielder Mario García was inserted into the leadoff spot in the batting order replacing slumping José Rivera who was moved to the bottom of the order. Garcia has responded spectacularly and is hitting a lusty .397 in 18 games since joining the Hawks.
- New reliever Jesus Hopkins has been OK in his 9 games although he struggled in his most recent appearance against his old Louisville team.
- With Alberto López already out for the season, losing Pedro Torrez for three months was a devastating blow. Daniel Jordan had been recalled from Montgomery a bit earlier than planned to take Lopez’s spot in the rotation. Torrez’s loss meant another less talented prospect, Raúl Sánchez, had to also be brought up. Sanchez did not fare well in his first two starts. The situation has now changed dramatically. See below.
- Reliever Jesús Gonzáles was also injured and will miss eight weeks with a torn triceps. Down-again up-again José Perucho is now up again to fill the spot left open in the bullpen.
The Hawks have dealt recently recalled Raúl Sánchez along with AAA relievers Germán García and Bartolo Cruz to Louisville for SP Roberto Ramos. Sanchez had recently been promoted to replace the injured Torrez in the rotation and had not done well in his two starts. Cruz and Garcia have had some prior big league experience with the Hawks, but both were considered expendable. Ramos brings solid big league pitching credentials to Halifax. He is more than a temporary fill in for the injured starters and should become a permanent fixture in the Hawk rotation. Ramos, who makes $5.95 million per season, is signed through the end of next season. His major league pitching record is below [click to enlarge]:
