(New Britain, Conn., Feb. 27, 2018) – The New Britain Bees today announced the signings of pitchers Sam Gervacio, Rainy Lara, and Brandon Fry.
“The addition of the three pitchers will certainly help out pitching staff,” says Bees General Manager Brad Smith. “Sam brings big league experience and has very impressive numbers over his career. Rainy was an All-Star last year and proved he is a capable starter in this league, while Brandon has been a reliable arm in our bullpen the last two seasons.”
Sam Gervacio joins New Britain for his 13th season of professional baseball and third in the Atlantic League. Last year, the former big leaguer made 36 relief appearances with Vallejo of the independent Pacific Association, finishing the season with a 3.46 ERA, 59 strikeouts and 18 saves in 39.0 innings pitched.
Gervacio began his professional career after he signed with the Houston Astros as a free agent in 2005, and made his major league debut in 2009. In two seasons with the Astros, he appeared in 35 games and went 1-2 with a 3.65 ERA and 28 strikeouts in 24.2 innings of work. His previous experience in the Atlantic League came with the Bridgeport Bluefish from 2015-16. Over the course of two seasons, Sam appeared in 82 games, while posting seven victories with a 3.36 ERA and 94 strikeouts over the course of 88.1 innings of work.
He holds a record of 39-35 with a 3.39 ERA and 699 strikeouts over the course of 542.0 innings in 450 minor league appearances.
Rainy Lara joins the Bees for his ninth season of professional baseball and second in the Atlantic League. Last year, the pitcher spent time with the Bridgeport Bluefish and was named to the Atlantic League All Star team during his debut. In 25 starts, he earned nine victories with a 4.31 ERA and 97 strikeouts across 142.0 innings pitched.
The 26-year-old made his professional debut in 2010 with the New York Mets organization in the Foreign Rookie-level Dominican Summer League. Prior to joining the Bluefish, he had been in the Mets farm system for the entirety of his career, reaching the Triple-A level in both 2015 and 2016.
In 158 career minor league outings (136 starts), Rainy owns a 53-45 record with a 3.78 ERA and 586 strikeouts in 784.0 innings pitched.
Brandon Fry returns to New Britain for his sixth season of professional baseball and third in the Atlantic League. Last year with the Bees, the lefthander appeared in 67 games and posted a 4.31 ERA and 53 strikeouts over the course of 64.2 innings pitched.
The 24-year-old was originally drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 18th round of the 2013 amateur draft and made his professional with Single-A Eugene of the Northwest League the same year. He spent three seasons in the Padres organization before heading over to New Britain to make his Atlantic League debut during the 2016 campaign.
In 160 career minor league outings, Brandon owns a 4.84 ERA and 162 strikeouts in 206.1 innings pitched.
All New Britain Bees transactions are presented by ACES. ACES is dedicated to enhancing and transforming lives through education, innovations, and leadership. Visit https://www.aces.org/ for more information.
About the New Britain Bees
The New Britain Bees are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, and play their home games at New Britain Stadium. For information on tickets packages, group outings and sponsorships call 860-826-BEES (2337) or visit NBBees.com.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 38 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment. For more information, please visit www.AtlanticLeague.com.
###
Stay Connected