SONOMA, Calif. – The Sonoma Stompers are proud to welcome left-handed pitcher Kenny Matthews to the organization. Matthews is a former seventh round draft pick by the Cleveland Indians and joins the team Sunday.
“It’s exciting, a new chapter in my pro career,” Matthews said. “I can’t wait to go out with the guys and get some wins. This is a great opportunity to stay in pro baseball and get some great competition.”
Selected in 2013, Matthews played three seasons in the Indians organization, reaching Class-A ball in 2014. In 88.2 innings, he struck out 83 batters and earned a 3.25 ERA.
After leaving affiliated baseball, he played with the Winnipeg Goldeyes, where he worked a 2.63 ERA over 41 innings in 2017. That season, he won the American Association championship with Winnipeg.
“We're thrilled to bring Kenny into our organization,” Stompers general manager Brett Creamer said. “He's going to be a key contributor out of the bullpen for us this season. His track record and experience really stood out to us and we're excited to have him.”
Before being selected by Cleveland, Matthews was drafted out of Diamond Bar High School in the 12th round of the 2011 draft by the New York Mets. He instead chose to go to college and went on to play at Cal State Fullerton and Riverside Community College before going pro.
The Stompers play the Pittsburg Diamonds on the road Sunday and return home Tuesday to begin a six-game homestand.