Rays acquire Wingnuts closer

Wichita, KS — Wichita Wingnuts all-star closer Justin Dowdy has been purchased by the Tampa Bay Rays organization.

Dowdy ranks third in the American Association with 17 saves and has struck out 40 hitters in 25.0 IP.  The San Diego, CA native is in his 10th season of professional baseball.  The 26-year old lefty has struck out the side five different times this season and is eight strikeouts shy of 600 for his career.  Dowdy is expected to report to Double-A Montgomery.  Tampa Bay becomes Dowdy's fifth stop in affiliated ball.  The veteran lefty has also spent time with the White Sox, Mariners, Angels, and Athletics.

Dowdy becomes the third player in Wingnuts' history to have their contract purchased by a Major League organization, joining outfielder Dustan Mohr (Rockies, 2008) and right-handed pitcher Will Savage (Dodgers, 2010).

The Wingnuts play game two of a three-game series tonight at Shreveport-Bossier at 7:05 p.m