(May 13) — The York Revolution announced today they have re-signed right-handed relief pitcher Manny Corpas. The 30-year-old enters his 15th professional season and his second season in York. Last season he made 34 appearances for the Revs, posting a 3-1 record and ranking fourth on the team with a 2.73 ERA, striking out 27 batters over 33 innings.
A native of Panama City, Panama, Corpas was originally signed as an amateur free agent in 1999 by the Colorado Rockies at age 16 and played his first professional season in 2002. He worked his way up through the Rockies system, breaking into the big leagues on July 18, 2006, in a game against the Pirates. He made 35 appearances that season and enjoyed more success the following season, posting a 2.08 ERA in 2007.
After the 2007 All-Star break, Corpas was named the club’s closer, earning a career-high 19 saves and pitching in the 2007 postseason. A crucial part of Colorado’s playoff run, Corpas saved all three games of the NLDS against Philadelphia and two in the NLCS against Arizona, including the National League pennant clincher. The Rockies won 21 of 22 games on the way to a World Series appearance, with Corpas saving 10 of them.
Corpas pitched in the big leagues until 2013, posting a 13-20 MLB record and a 4.14 ERA and earning 34 saves. He pitched in Triple-A for Colorado in 2013 and 2014 before spending 2015 in the Mexican league and joining York last season.
“I couldn’t be happier to have Manny back,” said Revolution Manager Mark Mason. “He’s a huge presence on and off the mound and gives us the experience and tools you always want at your disposal in your bullpen. He had a great year for us last year, the players and fans love him, and we’re glad he was available and interested in playing in York again.”
The Revolution also announced the signing of 23-year-old catcher Luis Cruz. Playing in his seventh professional season, Cruz was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2011. A native of Cotui, Dominican Republic, he spent his entire career with the Cardinals, beginning in the Dominican Summer League, and making it as high as Triple-A Memphis last season. Before joining the Revolution, he played nine games for Double-A Springfield, batting .250 with 2 doubles, and 3 RBI.
Cruz has also served as first baseman and designated hitter in his career and made four appearances on the mound. He has thrown out 34% of baserunners in his career, while posting a fielding percentage of .980.