Yesterday, on May 29th, we saw the return of the home run leader from last year (10), Francisco Del Valle. Del Valle, who has been inactive due to still playing in the Puerto Rican Winter League, was playing for Leones de Ponce.

This is what Francisco did this year with Ponce. He played in 17 games, had 33 at-bats, scored 2 runs, 6 hits, 2 doubles, 6 RBIs, 5 walks, and 8 strikeouts. His slash line was .182/.282/.242 for an OPS of .525. His team was still in the playoffs, which is the reason why he didn’t join the team on time. The PRWL plays mostly all games on the weekend, so when the RailCats’ season started, the PRWL was underway in the playoffs. His team lost in the semifinals.

Last year with the RailCats Del Valle played in 97 games, had 347 At-Bats, 55 runs scored, 94 Hits, 18 Doubles, 1 Triple, a team leader in homeruns at 10, 58 RBI’s, 5 Stolen Bases and 39 walks with 56 strikeouts. He slashed a .271/.349/.415 with an OPS of .764.

Del Valle brings to the plate a left-handed hitter, something the RailCats need. He does have some power that comes with him, but last year was more toward the beginning and end with a couple of home runs sprinkled in the mid part of the season. He is a solid hitter that can come up with the key hit at the right time, something that has also plagued the RailCats this season.

He started last night in the 5-0 loss against the Sioux Falls Canaries. The RailCats had only 3 hits last night, and he had 2 of them as he went 2 for 4. Hopefully, he can help this team get out of the offensive struggle they are in. WELCOME BACK, FRANCISCO DEL VALLE!!