The Gary SouthShore RailCats have re-signed infielder Victor Nova and pitcher Julio Vivas.
Nova, 23, will return for his second season with the RailCats. He hit .270 in 51 games last season, primarily playing at third base. His eight home runs ranked third on the team. Prior to joining the RailCats he spent time with both the San Diego Padres and Cleveland Guardians organizations.
A native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic he has spent the winter playing in the Colombian Winter League for Tigres de Cartegena. He slashed .307/.438/.514 over 43 games with seven home runs and 31 RBI.
Vivas, 29, also returns for Gary SouthShore for a second season. The Venezuelan was a solid mid-season acquisition for manager Lamarr Rogers. The six-foot, three-inch right-hander made 18 appearances out of the bullpen. He twirled 22 innings, striking out 19 batters and finished with a 3.27 ERA.
The former Pittsburgh Pirates prospect has spent the winter playing in both the Venezuelan Winter League for Bravos de Margarita and the Colombian Winter League for Vaqueros de Monteria.
“Victor and Julio, we great additions to the team last season and played well from the get-go,” said General Manager Anthony Giammanco. “Both have had great winters playing winter ball and we will look for that to carry over to the summer.”
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.