Crawdads Announce Opening Night Roster

Hickory, NC- The Hickory Crawdads and Texas Rangers released the 'Dads 2019 Opening Night roster Wednesday afternoon. The roster includes 16 pitchers, 3 catchers, 5 infielders, and 4 outfielders.

The roster features the Rangers number one and two prospects with the right handed Hans Crouse and outfielder Julio Pablo Martinez. The team includes four more of the Rangers Top 30 Prospects, as ranked by MLB.com: shortstop Chris Seise (#12), infielder Jonathan Ornelas (#18), catcher Sam Huff (#21), and third baseman Sherten Apostel (#22).
Seven players from the 2018 Crawdads will be returning this season. The returning pitchers are Jean Casanova, Hans Crouse, and Abdiel Mendoza. Sam Huff and Matt Whatley will be returning behind the plate along with Isaias Quiroz, who played in Hickory in 2017. In the outfield Miguel Aparicio and Pedro Gonzalez are returning. Jose Almonte, a 2017 Crawdad, is also coming back.
Teams are allowed 25 players on the active roster so three players will be starting the season on the inactive list.
Fans can catch the first glimpse the of the team on Monday, as the team takes on the Lenoir-Rhyne Bears in an exhibition game at LP Frans Stadium. The game is scheduled for 6:30pm and is free admission thanks to Cody Law Firm, Custom Design, WHKY 1290 AM & 102.3 FM. The Catawba Valley YMCA will also be on site collecting donations for their annual drive.
The Crawdads will open their season at L.P. Frans Stadium on April 11th against the Kannapolis Intimidators. For more information about the Crawdads, including promotions, ticket books, and group outings please visit www.hickorycrawdads.com or contact the front office at (828) 322-3000.