IBL's Kitchener Panthers trade Leader to Royals for two pitchers

The Intercounty Baseball League’s Kitchener Panthers have traded Andy Leader (Kitchener, Ont.) to the Guelph Royals for pitchers Danny Garcia and Jorge de la Cruz Paez. Photo: Kitchener Panthers

June 19, 2024

Official Kitchener Panthers News Release

KITCHENER, Ont. - The Panthers have bolstered the bullpen in a trade with the Guelph Royals.

Kitchener has sent Andy Leader (Kitchener, Ont.) up Highway 7 in exchange for Danny Garcia and Jorge de la Cruz Paez.

Both pitchers are from the Dominican Republic, but have permanent resident status and don't count towards the team's import totals.

De La Cruz Paez has made four appearances for Guelph this season. He has a 2.25 ERA in four innings of work.

Garcia has just the two appearances on the year, posting an 11.57 ERA in 2 1/3 innings, giving up four hits and three runs.

"We are excited to have Danny Garcia and Jorge de la Cruz Paez joining our ball club," said Panthers general manager Mike Boehmer. "Both are hard throwers. We expect both pitchers to be with us for our next game on Thursday and to immediately help our team."

Leader played 200 games for Kitchener through six years, recording a career average of .296, posting 24 home runs and 128 RBIs.

"We thank Andy Leader for his six strong seasons with the Panthers, and we wish Andy well with the Guelph Royals," Boehmer said.

Kitchener visits Barrie on Thursday and Chatham-Kent Friday, before Guelph pays a visit to Jack Couch Park on Sunday at 5:15 p.m.