Relief pitcher Leoni De La Cruz went 14-for-14 in save opportunities for the Grizzlies last season. (Photo: Terrance Williams)

Cedric Williams
Senior Editor

SAUGET, IL — The Gateway Grizzlies announced this week that they have re-signed left-handed pitcher Leoni De La Cruz for the upcoming season.

The flame-throwing southpaw served as Gateway’s closer for the second half of last season and played a key role in the Grizzlies making the Frontier League playoffs for the second straight season.

Leoni De La Cruz went 2-1 in 25 games with the Grizzlies last season and was 14-for-14 in save opportunities. (Photo: Terrance Williams)

De La Cruz initially started last season with the Evansville Otters, but struggled over his first 14 appearances. He was then traded to the Tri-City ValleyCats on June 25, but immediately placed on waivers by his new club.

The Grizzlies claimed the southpaw from the Dominican Republic, and he immediately became a force at the back end of the bullpen. With Gateway in 2024, he went 2-1 in 25 games with a 2.08 ERA, 42 strikeouts, 13 walks, and only 13 hits allowed in 26 innings pitched, while also going a perfect 14-for-14 in save opportunities.

The 26-year-old also limited opponents to a .143 batting average with the Grizzlies, returning to an All-Star form that he displayed with the Otters in 2023 when he had a 3.24 ERA, 59 strikeouts, and 21 walks in 41 2/3 innings over 39 games. Prior to his time in the Frontier League, De La Cruz pitched two seasons in the Milwaukee Brewers organization.

Gateway will begin training camp next week in preparation for the new season which will begin on May 8 against the Evansville Otters.

Gateway’s 2025 home opener at Grizzlies Ballpark will be on May 16 against the Trois-Rivières Aigles.

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