Wild Things trade pitcher Grotz
The Wild Things made another trade with an Atlantic League team.
One day after sending center fielder Chris Grayson to the Somerset Patriots for a player to be named, Washington announced Wednesday it traded right-handed pitcher Zac Grotz to the Bridgeport Bluefish, also for a player to be named.
Grotz, a native Californian, signed with the Wild Things last offseason after playing one year in the Houston Astros’ system. He began the Frontier League season as Washington’s closer, moved into the starting rotation in August and was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers. Grotz pitched in five games (two starts) for Ogden of the rookie-level Pioneer League and had a stellar 4-0 record and 0.50 ERA in 18 innings but was released Sept. 18.
With Washington, Grotz had a 4-2 record and 10 saves with a 1.36 ERA in 21 games. He had 51 strikeouts in 46 1/3 innings. Grotz was a member of the East Division team in the Frontier League All-Star game.
“Zac spent 2016 looking to prove something and continued to pitch with that chip on his shoulder,” Wild Things general manager Steve Zavacky said. “On the field, we appreciate his passion and willingness to accept any role put in front of him. Off the field, we appreciate his overwhelming desire to connect with Wild Things fans and the Washington community. We were happy to provide Zac the opportunity to play for the Dodgers and now we are happy to provide him this opportunity with Bridgeport, because he has earned it.”