The pennant race is in full swing in the American Association, and the Gary SouthShore RailCats are trying to secure their first playoff berth since 2018. Entering Saturday at 26-41, they are on the outside looking in, but they made a move today to bolster their pitching staff.
The RailCats have signed Crown Point native and former Major Leaguer Zach Plesac.
Plesac attended Crown Point High School, where he was not only a standout pitcher for the baseball team but also played football and basketball for the Bulldogs. He took his baseball talents to Ball State University in 2014 and earned Collegiate Baseball Newspaper Freshman Pitcher of the Year honors after posting a 12-2 record with a 2.11 ERA.
In 2016, the Cleveland Guardians selected the right-hander in the 12th round of the MLB Draft. By 2019, Plesac had received the call to the Major Leagues, making his debut at Fenway Park against David Price and the defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox. Plesac pitched in the majors from 2019 through 2023 with Cleveland, and in 2024 he made three starts for the Los Angeles Angels.
Last season, Plesac signed with the Atlantic League’s Long Island Ducks. In seven games, he posted a 2.84 ERA and struck out 33 batters before his contract was transferred to the St. Louis Cardinals, who assigned him to Triple-A Memphis. This year, the 31-year-old pitched in Mexico, where he made 13 appearances, posting a 6.79 ERA with 46 strikeouts in 62.1 innings.
Zach Plesac now joins his younger brother, Frank Plesac, in the Gary clubhouse, becoming part of the second brother duo to play for the RailCats at the same time. Nick and Frank Podkul, who are currently on the roster, were the first brother combination in team history.
“Zach was eager to come to Gary and pitch for his hometown team,” RailCats manager Jeff Isom said. “Having a Major League presence during the most important part of the season will help as we push toward our goal of making the playoffs.”
The RailCats are in action tonight against the Lake Country DockHounds, with first pitch scheduled for 6:45 p.m. It is STEM Night, presented by the YMCA. Tickets are available at www.Tixr.com/RailCats or by calling 219-882-2255.
