THUNDER BAY – Thunder Bay Border Cats closer Vinny Santarsiero has signed a rookie deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers.
The lanky reliever pitched a bullpen session for the Dodgers in St. Louis, and was immediately offered a contract.
“Thank you Thunder Bay, I wouldn’t be here if it wasn't for you and your team,” Santarsiero said in a release issued by the team on Monday.
After a shaky start, the Fontbonne University product settled into a groove in the closer’s role, finishing the season with a 1.66 earned run average and four saves. He struck out 23 in 21.2 innings.