Miracle Say Goodbye to Garza, Hello to Mr. Jones

By Sean Aronson
Fort Myers Miracle

FORT MYERS, FL – The inevitable became a reality on Sunday as Miracle starter Matt Garza was promoted to Double-A New Britain after an amazing first six weeks of the season. The Miracle also sent infielder Jose Leger to the Rock Cats and added left-handed pitcher Justin Jones from New Britain.

The 22-year-old Garza dominated Florida State League hitters going 5-1, 1.42 in eight games. In 44.1 innings pitched he walked just 11 and struck out 53 while the opposition hit just .169 against him. He allowed one earned run or less in every outing, but his last one on Saturday when he gave up three runs in five innings. He finished his time in the FSL tied for first in the league in wins, second in strikeouts and fourth in ERA.

The Miracle also sent Leger to Double-A New Britain. The 23-year-old Leger joined the Miracle on April 19 from extended spring. He hit .241 -0-3 in 10 games. In 29 at bats he has two doubles, an on base percentage of .310 and slugged .371. Garza and Leger become the third and fourth Miracle players promoted this season.

The 21-year-old Jones, is currently on the Minnesota Twins 40-man roster and played for the Miracle the last half of the 2005 season. Jones was solid at Double-A this season going 2-2, 3.25 in six games. In 27.2 innings he walked 15 and struck out 29 while the opposition hit .280 against him. Last season with the Miracle he was 7-3, 3.01 in 13 games, two of them were complete games. In 77.2 innings pitched he walked 28 and struck out 54.

The Miracle roster now stands at 23 players, two below the maximum of 25, 11 pitchers and 12 position players.