The Gary SouthShore RailCats have signed two players this week to join the club for 2024. Rejoining the ‘Cats is lefty reliever Daniel Vitriago, and utility player Mikey Perez is joining the organization for the first time.
Vitriago is 23 years old and hails from Venezuela. His professional baseball career started in 2018 after he signed as an international free agent with the Kansas City Royals. Last year, he started the year with the Billings Mustangs in the Pioneer League. He then headed east to the South Shore to appear in six games, striking out 15 batters and surrendering just two walks.
“Daniel joined the team late last season after having success in the Pioneer league,” said Manager Lamarr Rogers. “With the remaining games of the season, we were able to use him in multiple roles determining his best fit for the team moving forward. He has a quiet and calm demeanor but quick aggressive nature on the mound that exhibited potential positive signs of things to come”
Perez is from Anaheim, California, and played college ball at UCLA. After the 2021 college season, he was selected by the Minnesota Twins in the MLB June Amateur Draft. Last year, the 24-year-old hit seven home runs, six doubles, and stole 23 bases. He played every infield position and spent time in left field.
“A southern California native and UCLA Bruins alum, Mikey comes to our RailCats team after having positive conversations with MLB contacts about his overall potential,” added Rodgers. “Versatile in the infield with impressive career defensive fielding statistics, I’ll be looking for him to also provide a spark offensively getting on base at either the top or bottom of our lineup. He’s also swiped over 75 bags over the last two seasons from Single-A to Triple AAA in the Minnesota Twins organization.
The RailCats 2024 season begins at the Steel Yard on Friday, May 17 vs Lake Country. Season tickets packages and group outings for the 2024 season can be reserved by calling 219-882-2255 or emailing info@railcatsbaseball.com.
