James Proctor named Low-A Southeast Pitcher of the Month

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. - Minor League Baseball announced on Wednesday that Daytona Tortugas RHP James Proctor has been named the Low-A Southeast Pitcher of the Month for May. It is the first time a Daytona pitcher has received a monthly honor dating back to 2005. Proctor is the second Tortugas player to receive an end-of-the-month award and the first since 2B Shed Long was named Florida State League Player of the Month in May of 2017.

During the season’s opening month, Proctor paced the minors with a microscopic 0.45 ERA (1 ER in 20.0 IP) in five appearances and four starts. The 22-year-old accumulated an unblemished 2-0 record with only nine hits and two runs (one earned) allowed in addition to only six walks and 30 strikeouts.

On Saturday, May 22, Proctor was the facilitator of the second no-hitter in Tortugas history at Jackie Robinson Ballpark. The right-hander hoisted 5.0 hitless innings against the Jupiter Hammerheads — issuing only two baserunners on a walk and hit-by-pitch in the fourth — to accompany 11 strikeouts. RHP Vin Timpanelli, RHP Ricky Karcher, RHP Nick Hanson, and RHP Carson Spiers combined to complete the 1-0 no-hitter, Daytona’s first since RHP Tyler Mahle tossed a complete game no-hitter at Jupiter on June 13, 2016.

Proctor’s 11 strikeouts that night marked the second-most from a Daytona pitcher since the franchise rebranded prior to the 2015 season. The St. Louis, Mo. native’s performance was the best since LHP Amir Garrett whiffed 12 at Jackie Robinson Ballpark on May 30, 2015, against the Clearwater Threshers.

Entering play on Wednesday, Proctor leads all Low-A Southeast pitchers in earned run average (0.45). He is also tied for second in fewest hits allowed (9), third in fewest walks permitted (6), and third in strikeouts (30).

Proctor, 22, is in his first professional season and was signed by the Cincinnati Reds as an undrafted free agent on June 21, 2020, out of Princeton University.

Daytona’s six-game series with Clearwater continues with a Belly Buster Wednesday presented by Marco’s Pizza. Starting at just $14, fans can enjoy all-you-can-eat hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorns, and Marco’s Pizza at the concession stands. It will also be a Wishful Wednesday presented by VyStar Credit Union. The Tortugas will partner with a deserving local charity to raise money and awareness for a worthy cause.

RHP Jason Parker (1-0, 3.14) is projected to take the mound for the ‘Tugas in an attempt to even the series. The Threshers are projected to counter with RHP Cristian Hernández (0-1, 2.08). Gates open at 6 p.m. with the first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. ET. Coverage on the Tortugas Radio Network and www.daytonatortugas.com will begin with the Pregame Show starting at 6:50 p.m. ET.

Season tickets, multi-game plans, group packages, and single-game tickets are currently available and can be purchased online at www.daytonatortugas.com or by calling the Tortugas’ Ticket Office at (386) 257-3172.
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ABOUT THE DAYTONA TORTUGAS*
The Daytona Tortugas are the Low-A Affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds and a member of Minor League Baseball’s Low-A Southeast. The Tortugas play at Jackie Robinson Ballpark in downtown Daytona Beach. Jackie Robinson Ballpark also plays host to Bethune-Cookman University, the Jackie Robinson Ballpark Museum, and many community events and initiatives of all sizes throughout the year.