The Gary SouthShore RailCats have re-signed All-Stars Daniel Lingua, Jack Eisenbarger and Harrison Francis.
Lingua, 26, returns to the RailCats for his third season. The shortstop put together his best season as a professional after being named an All-Star and concluded the season with American Association Rookie of the Year honors for 2022.
The Texas native accumulated 97 hits, including 23 doubles, six triples, and six home runs in 96 games. He posted a slash line of .271/.419/.351 over 410 plate appearances. Lingua also led the RailCats in stolen bases with 29.
“We are excited to have the league’s Rookie of the Year return for another season,” said General Manager Anthony Giammanco. “He has shown growth from year one to year two and we are looking forward to seeing what he can do in 2023.
Eisenbarger, 24, also returns to the RailCats for his third season as a professional. The lefty posted a 2-7 record with a 5.29 ERA in 65.2 inning pitched. He led the RailCats in saves (6) and was second on the team in strikeouts (88).
Francis, 24, returns to the RailCats for a second season and his sixth as a professional. He appeared in 20 games (18 starts) and finished with a 5-8 record. He led the pitching staff in strikeouts (95) and was third in innings pitched (95.1). The right-hander was originally drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the fourth round of the 2017 MLB Amateur Draft.
“Harrison and Jack were both staples of our pitching staff last season. Harrison proved his durability with the number of innings he threw. And Jack showed his versality with the ability to come out of the bullpen or spot start when needed. We are looking forward to having them back this season.”
The RailCats 2023 season begins at the Steel Yard on Thursday, May 11 vs Winnipeg Goldeyes. Season tickets packages and group outings for the 2023 season can be reserved by calling 219-882-2255 or emailing info@railcatsbaseball.com.