Nats acquire LHP Garate from Dodgers
The Nationals acquired left-handed pitcher Victor Garate off waivers from the Los Angeles Dodgers, completing the deal that sent Ronnie Belliard to LA.
"He's effective against left-handed and right-handed hitters," GM Mike Rizzo said during MASN2's game with the Padres this afternoon. "We seem him in the middle of the order."
Meaning that Garate, when he joins the Nationals, either this season or next, will be a set-up man.
Garate has been one of the most effective relievers in the Double-A Southern League this season, posting a 2.04 ERA. He allowed 12 earned runs in 53 innings pitched and .191 batting average against in 47 appearances with Chattanooga.
His earned run average ranks eighth among Southern League pitchers, minimum 50 innings pitched.
Garate's 56 strikeouts rank tied for ninth among full-time relievers in the circuit and his 9.51 strikeouts per nine innings rank sixth, minimum 50 innings. He has stranded 17 of 21 inherited runners in '09.
The 24-year-old is 23-7 with 15 saves and a 3.25 ERA in five professional seasons. With 404 strikeouts in 315 1/3 innings pitched, Garate has posted 11.53 strikeouts per nine innings during his career. He was rated among the Dodgers' Top 25 prospects by Baseball America entering the '09 season.
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How many lefties are there with a low ERA and more than one k per nine innings at any level of professional baseball? This is a pretty sweet deal for the Nationals.
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Not knowing much about the kid, his numbers are very impressive.