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CLEBURNE, Tex. (Feb. 6, 2020) – The Cleburne Railroaders announced Thursday the signing of right-handed pitcher Angelo Palumbo.

Palumbo brings a robust international pedigree to Cleburne, having played professionally in the Dominican Republic, Germany, Italy, and his native Venezuela. The 24-year old is currently pitching in the Caribbean Series with the Cardenales de Lara, representing Venezuela. He hurled five scoreless innings in his Series debut on Monday against Puerto Rico, allowing only four hits while striking out a pair.

Palumbo had a dominant winter season with Lara, crafting a 1.87 ERA over the course of eight appearances (seven starts). The native of Maracaibo, Venezuela, struck out 21 and walked 13 over 33.2 innings, allowing only 30 hits. He was teammates on the Cardenales squad with Railroaders right-hander Jesus Sanchez.

The Baltimore Orioles signed Palumbo as an international free agent in 2013, sending the 17-year old righty to their Dominican Summer League affiliate. Palumbo spent four seasons at that level, compiling a strong 3.55 ERA over the course of 58 games, including 37 starts.

In 2017, Palumbo joined the Bad Homburg Hornets of the Bundesliga in Germany, ultimately making seven starts and recording 19 strikeouts in 26.2 innings for the club. From there, Palumbo signed with Bolzano of the Italian Serie A2, where he pitched in both 2018 and 2019. The 6’3, 180-pounder was excellent this past season, crafting a sparkling 9-1 record and 0.65 ERA in 14 starts for Bolzano. He allowed only 60 hits in 97.0 innings, racking up a staggering 160 strikeouts to just 21 walks (7.6:1 ratio).

Palumbo was selected to the Italian National Team at the 2018 Super 6 European tournament. He pitched in one game at the tournament, picking up the win against Belgium by allowing one run over five innings of work.

The signing of Palumbo gives the Railroaders eight players under contract for the 2020 season. American Association clubs may carry up to 28 players during Spring Training, which begins May 7.

2020 Signings

INF Alay Lago
C John Nester
C Blake Grant-Parks
RHP Jesus Sanchez
INF Chase Simpson
RHP Alex Boshers
OF Angel Reyes
RHP Angelo Palumbo

For information on partnerships, season tickets, group outings, and party packages, call the Railroaders main office at (817) 945-8705, or visit the Railroaders official website at www.railroaderbaseball.com.