MADISON, Ala. — Rocket City Trash Pandas fans, the team unveiled the roster for the upcoming 2024 season. The Trash Pandas are set to kick off their season with an away game against the Tennessee Smokies on Friday, April 5.
Returning to lead the team from the dugout is Manager Andy Schatzley. Joining him are familiar faces in Pitching Coach Michael Wuertz, Coach Dann Bilardello, and Strength and Conditioning Coach David Robertson. The rest of the coaching staff are Hitting Coach Joel Chimelis, Assistant Pitching Coach Doug Henry, and Athletic Trainer Dylan Culwell.
Several players featured on the Los Angeles Angels Top 30 Prospects list. Among them are outfielder Nelson Rada, right-handed pitchers Caden Dana, Ben Joyce, and Jack Kochanowicz, infielder Kyren Paris, and infielder Cole Fontenelle.
Paris set a single-season record with 45 stolen bases and earned recognition as a Southern League Postseason All-Star. Outfielders David Calabrese and Tucker Flint combined for 28 home runs in the previous season. Catcher Tyler Payne also returns after an impressive second half in 2023, with a .313 batting average.
On the pitching front, the Trash Pandas keep their top three starters from the previous year in Brett Kerry, Victor Mederos, and Jack Kochanowicz. Kerry, will be the first player to appear in a game for the Trash Pandas in all four seasons of their existence.
Some newcomers, include outfielder Nelson Rada and right-handed pitcher Caden Dana. Joining them in their Trash Pandas debut are right-handed pitcher Alan Rangel, catcher Caleb Hamilton, and infielders Sam Brown, Cole Fontenelle, and Eric Wagaman.
Here's a look at the Trash Pandas' preliminary roster for the 2024 season:
- Right-Handed Pitchers (13): Ivan Armstrong, Chase Chaney, Caden Dana, Michael Darrell-Hicks, Mason Erla, Ben Joyce, Brett Kerry, Jack Kochanowicz, Victor Mederos, Luke Murphy, Alan Rangel, Hayden Seig, Kenyon Yovan
- Left-Handed Pitchers (3): Jack Dashwood, Nick Jones, Eric Torres
- Catchers (3): Myles Emmerson, Caleb Hamilton, Tyler Payne
- Infielders (6): Sam Brown, Cole Fontenelle, Mac McCroskey, Kyren Paris, Arol Vera, Eric Wagaman
- Outfielders (4): David Calabrese, Gustavo Campero, Tucker Flint, Nelson Rada