Fogel Returns From Inactive List Wednesday
Reigning League MVP Returns To Action
The Missoula PaddleHeads will get things rolling in a 6-game set on Wednesday night in action with the Yuba-Sutter High Wheelers after lightning put things on hold Wednesday. Missoula got some help for the postseason push Tuesday in the announcement of a trade for former Pioneer League Pitcher of the Year Alfredo Villa. This surely was a shot in the arm for the PaddleHeads adding reinforcements for the league playoffs. On Wednesday, Missoula got some more good news on the injury front in the return of the reigning league MVP.
Left Fielder Adam Fogel was cleared from concussion protocol Wednesday and will make his return to the starting lineup for Missoula's end of season push. Fogel was struck by a wild pitch in a game opposite Idaho Falls on August 20 and has not appeared since. After weeks of rehab however, the former PBL Home Run King is set to get some in-game action to get himself sharp ahead of the league playoffs. The corresponding transaction involved outfielder Kishon Frett being placed on the inactive list.
The only remaining player on the 10-day inactive list is catcher Nich Klemp who is also working his way back from a concussion having last appeared on August 20. Per league rules, the PaddleHeads will be allowed to make 1 additional roster transaction after the postseason deadline passed on Wednesday.
Despite missing time this season, Fogel managed to surpass the 30 home run threshold tallying 33 home runs in 73 games. Fogel also held a team best .403 batting average while tallying 103 RBIs. The 2nd year pro has tallied 68 home runs in 162 games in his PaddleHeads career dating back to last season while batting .395 with 219 RBIs.
The PaddleHeads (61-29) will continue a series through Sunday in Central California with the High Wheelers (47-43). Missoula will then return to the Garden City on Monday ahead of the start of the Pioneer League Playoffs. Action in a best of 3 series gets rolling on Thursday September 11 at Allegiance Field. The PaddleHeads opponent has yet to be determined.