(Waldorf, MD., Jun. 8, 2017) – The Blue Crabs announced the signing of right-handed pitcher Craig Stem, as well as infielder Brian Bistagne, adding more depth to their 2017 10th Anniversary team.
Craig Stem rejoins the Blue Crabs after beginning the 2017 in the Mexican League. Stem began the 2016 season with the New Britain Bees, before being acquired by Southern Maryland. The right-hander appeared in 37 games for the Blue Crabs last season, finishing with a 3.99 ERA. Stem was originally drafted by Los Angeles Dodgers in the 15th round of the 2011 MLB draft, and has reached as high as AAA in 2015 with the Miami Marlins organization. Stem will join the Blue Crabs starting rotation, taking the spot of Pat McCoy, who was forced to the DL with a hamstring injury after his last start.
Brian Bistagne joins Southern Maryland after beginning the 2017 season in the Canadian-American Association with the Ottawa Champions. Bistagne signed professionally in 2009 with the Minnesota Twins, spending one season with their rookie league affiliate. The utility man then moved to independent baseball, spending the last seven seasons between the Frontier League and the American Association. In his career, he has hit .262 with 25 HR and 71 SB. He is coming off his best season as a professional, hitting .285 with 8 HR and 24 SB last season as a member of the Texas Airhogs.
“We’re happy to have a couple of experienced guys come in to help us move forward,” said Manager John Harris. “Stem has been here before and is a welcome addition back to the locker room. Brian is a guy who can come in and play anywhere for us, giving us some much-needed depth in the field.”
For more information on the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs, or to reserve your seat today for any of the Blue Crabs upcoming home games, please visit our website at somdbluecrabs.com or call us at 301-638-9788.