PaddleHeads Announce A Pair Of Trades Wednesday

The Missoula PaddleHeads front office announced a pair of trades on Wednesday afternoon bringing in a pair of players to help the cause in the late season push. The first transaction involved veteran catcher Austin Bates who was acquired in a trade from the Long Island Ducks of the Atlantic League for future considerations. 

Additionally, the PaddleHeads have added outfielder Evan Sleight in a deal with the Colorado Springs Sky Sox. This move completes a trade involving Missoula's #12 draft pick that was traded to the Sky Sox at a Pioneer League Try-Out in Florida earlier this season. 

To make room on the active roster, the PaddleHeads have placed Adam Fogel on the inactive list retroactive to August 22. Fogel has experienced concussion-like symptoms. The left fielder was struck last week by a wild pitch in a game with the Idaho Falls Chukars and has not seen game action since. 

Fogel joins Nich Klemp who was placed on the inactive list Tuesday retroactive to the 22nd. The catcher also has experienced concussion symptoms. Both players have been taking part in drills, and rehab at Allegiance Field. Fogel and Klemp will be evaluated further in the coming days ahead of Missoula's upcoming 9 game road trip to end the regular season. 

Bates returns to the Pioneer League after making his professional debut with a Treasure State rival of the PaddleHeads. The Georgia Gwinnett made his professional debut initially with the Glacier Range Riders in 2022. The New York native appeared in 50 games with Glacier from 2022-2024 before heading to the Atlantic League. 

Bates played in 33 games last season with the Lexington Legends finishing with a .252 batting average in 32 games played. Bates also accumulated a .259 average in 21 games with the Legends this season before being traded to the Ducks. 

Slight joins the PaddleHeads outfield group having enjoyed great success to this point in 2025 with the Sky Sox. The former member of the Crimson Tide held a .339 batting average in 70 games played with Colorado Springs tallying 22 doubles 16 home runs and 62 RBIs. Slight also spent portions of time with the Sussex County Miners of the Frontier League over the last 2 seasons. Prior to jumping into professional baseball, Slight appeared in over 200 games at the University of Alabama holding a .294 career batting average with 'The Tide'. 

The PaddleHeads (60-25) continue a 3-game home series on Wednesday evening with the Grand Junction Jackalopes (36-49 )in search of more momentum after a convincing game 1 victory. Both Bates, and Slight are en route to Missoula and will join the active roster Thursday. First pitch on Wednesday evening is set for 7:15 p.m. Head to the ballpark for 'University of Montana Night' or listen to the action live on ESPN Missoula 102.9 F.M.