Miners Bring Back Ramirez, Riley

Ramirez made his professional debut for the Miners last year and excelled on the mound in the rotation. Making 19 appearances and 18 starts, the right-hander from New Mexico went 10-4 with a 4.49 ERA, allowing 108 hits in 108 1/3 innings pitched and striking out 72 while walking 33. He was one of only three pitchers in the Frontier League (including teammate Rick Teasley) to earn at least 10 victories on the mound in 2014.

“Miguel had an exceptional rookie season last year and was one of the league’s most consistent, effective starters,” Miners manager Mike Pinto said. “His ‘pitchability’ fit perfectly into the Miners system, and we are excited to have him back for another season.”

A mid-season acquisition from the Joliet Slammers last season, Marquis Riley also returns for a second go-around as a Miner this season. The North Carolina native played in 40 games for Southern Illinois after the trade, hitting .263 with seven doubles, six stolen bases and 20 RBIs. Including his time with Joliet, the former 2013 mid-season all-star hit .283 with 12 doubles, five homers and 44 RBIs while going 13-for-19 in stolen base attempts.

Riley was also the Miners’ leading hitter in the 2014 playoffs, with five hits in 10 at-bats for a .500 average and three RBIs.

“Marquis had a great year for us and immediately impacted our offense on his arrival,” Pinto added. “His numbers are deceiving as he had a significant collision in the outfield and it took some time for him to come back from that. However, he came on strong down the stretch in an important time for us and had a very successful playoff series. We are excited to have him back with us this season.”