SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) — Andrew Ely has anchored the Canaries infield all season. Now his hard work is being rewarded with a trip back to affiliated ball.
Ely has had his contract purchased by the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. He will report to Triple-A Indianapolis this week.
Ely is the third Canary to have his contract purchased this season. Catcher Adrian Nieto signed with the Miami Marlins on June 22, and pitcher Taylor Hill signed with Durango of the AAA Mexican League July 26. Ely is the seventh Canary to have his contract purchased since the start of last season.
Ely had an outstanding season for the Birds in 2019, hitting .289/.372/.439 with seven home runs and 35 RBIs. He produced some dramatic moments, including a game-sealing grand slam May 22 at Texas, a walk-off single June 2 vs. Winnipeg and a walk-off walk July 26 vs. Kansas City.
Ely made perhaps his biggest impact on defense, where he started at shortstop for 47 straight games before word came through he was headed to the Pirates.
Ely was a 32nd round draft pick in the 2014 MLB Draft by the Chicago Cubs out of the University of Washington. After 4 seasons with the Cubs, and a stop at each of their Minor League levels, the New York Mets selected him in the 2017 Triple-A Rule 5 Draft. Ely spent the majority of the 2018 season with the Mets Double-A affiliate, the Binghamton Rumble Ponies.
The Canaries return to the Birdcage Sunday night for the opening game of a six-game homestand. Sunday is Bark at the Park Night presented by Mini Critters, where fans can bring their dog to the game for a $5 fee. First pitch Sunday is at 7 p.m. The homestand finishes off with the Birds’ final Friday Fireworks home game of the year on August 23 at 7:05 p.m. Birds fans can score tickets to any Canaries game at the Sioux Falls Stadium box office, by calling 336-6060, or on Ticketmaster.
(Sioux Falls Canaries)
