KING IS PLAYER-OF-THE-MONTH

King tabbed as Player-of-the-Month for August

Right-hander from New York becomes first SWB pitcher to win such honor since 2001 

MOOSIC, PA (September 1, 2018) – The International League has announced that Scranton/Wilkes-Barre pitcher Mike King has been tabbed as the Player-of-the-Month for August.  King went 3-0 with a 1.09 earned run average over five starts; his first five outings in Triple-A.

The New York Yankees acquired the right-hander along with international bonus pool money last November in a trade with the Miami Marlins for infielder Garret Cooper and pitcher Caleb Smith.  King was initially selected by the Marlins out of Boston College in the 16th round of the 2016 First-Year Player Draft.

King made his Triple-A debut on August 5 and allowed one run on three hits over seven innings with four strikeouts.  He earned his first win for the RailRiders on August 12 at Durham after allowing two runs on six hits over 6.2 innings pitched.  The 23-year-old from Rochester, New York, proceeded to reel off wins in each of his next two starts against Norfolk and Lehigh Valley.  King worked a seven-inning, complete game against the Tides on August 18 and carried a no-hitter into the seventh in his start against the IronPigs on August 24.  Despite taking a no-decision in his final start of the month, King pitched six perfect innings against Syracuse before being lifted this past Wednesday.

King is the third RailRider over the past three seasons to be honored as International League Player-of-the-Month, following Aaron Judge in June of 2016 and Jake Cave in July of 2017.

Brandon Duckworth was the last Scranton/Wilkes-Barre pitcher to earn International League Player-of-the-Month honors, accomplishing the feat in July of the 2001 season.

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre hosts Pawtucket tonight in the final home game of the 2018 regular season.  The RailRiders hold the Wild Card spot with three games remaining, just ahead of Toledo and Indianapolis.  The day’s festivities begin at 4:00 p.m. with a FanFest outside PNC Field and a first pitch slated for 6:35 p.m.  Fireworks will follow the final out.  For tickets or more information on this award, please visit swbrailriders.com.