Kolek Takes Home Texas League Award

Pitcher Stephen Kolek of the Arkansas Travelers was named Texas League Pitcher of the Week for May 30-June 5 it was announced today by Minor League Baseball. This past Friday night on the road against the Springfield Cardinals, Kolek dealt six shutout innings allowing just two hits and a walk. He also notched nine strikeouts, the most this season by a Traveler, while earning his second consecutive victory. He joins Taylor Dollard and Connor Jones (twice) as Travs pitchers to be honored as league pitcher of the week this season. Jones garnered the award the previous two weeks.

Overall in 10 starts this season Kolek has a 3-3 record with a 3.64 ERA. The right-hander has totaled 54.1 innings, striking out 56 and holding opponents to a .223 batting average. He ranks third in the league in innings pitched, fourth in strikeouts and ninth in both ERA and WHIP.

Kolek was acquired by the Seattle Mariners organization in a trade from the Los Angeles Dodgers for cash considerations in April of last year. He was originally drafted by the Dodgers in the 11th round in 2018. The 25-year old pitched in college at Texas A&M.

The Travelers are home this week at Dickey-Stephens Park for a six game series against the Wichita Wind Surge. Kolek’s next scheduled start is on Thursday night while the annual Faith and Family Night is slated for Saturday. A full list of game times and promotions can be found at travs.com.