Winston Abreu Named International League Pitcher Of The Week

[Via email from the Durham Bulls Director of Media Relations Matt DeMargel.]

The International League announced today that Indianapolis outfielder Brian Myrow and Durham pitcher Winston Abreu have been named the League’s Batter and Pitcher of the Week for the period from August 24-30. Myrow is the fourth member of the Indians to win an IL weekly award in 2009, following Lastings Milledge (July 16-19), Eric Hacker (August 3-9), and Daniel McCutchen (August 10-16). Abreu is the third member of the Bulls to be so honored this season, joining Chris Richard (May 11-17), and Wade Davis (May 18-24).

WINSTON ABREU, Durham Bulls IL PITCHER OF THE WEEK
Right-handed reliever Winston Abreu did not allow a hit in four appearances this week for Durham. His three saves and 0.00 ERA tied for the League-lead. Abreu saved the last two games of a key series for the Bulls in Syracuse. On Monday, he came in with a 3-2 lead and one out in the 8th inning before shutting the door with a perfect 1.2 innings of relief. He walked one while saving Tuesday night’s game; it was the only runner to reach base on Abreu all week. Two nights later in Norfolk, Abreu struck out the side for another scoreless 9th inning save. Saturday night the Bulls returned home to face Gwinnett, with whom they were tied for the South Division lead. With the game knotted at 7-7 after nine innings, Abreu came in and tossed two perfect frames in the 10th and 11th innings to keep Durham’s hopes alive. The Bulls ultimately won in 14 innings to move into sole possession of 1st place. Since returning to Durham in early August, Abreu is holding opposing hitters to a .148 batting average.

32-year-old Winston Abreu is in his second stint with the Durham Bulls this season. After spending the 2008 season in Japan, Abreu signed with Tampa Bay as a free agent in February and began the season with Durham. He was promoted to the Major Leagues in June, but designated for assignment after two games. Abreu was then claimed by Cleveland and appeared in three games with the Indians, but after being optioned to Columbus he immediately elected free agency and re-signed with Tampa Bay. Abreu is a native of Cotui, Dominican Republic.