The Boston Red Sox have purchased the contract of Lancaster Barnstormers right-handed pitcher Elih Villanueva, it was announced today. Â He will be assigned to the Portland Sea Dogs of the Class AA Eastern League.
He is the second member of the 2017 Barnstormers’ squad to leave for a Major League organization.
Villanueva, 30, had made seven starts for the Barnstormers, posting an overall 5-1 record with a 2.73 ERA. Â He leaves the Atlantic League tied for the lead in wins and seventh in ERA. Â The Florida native had recorded wins in his last five decisions with a 2.25 ERA over the last six. Â Overall, he had struck out 32 and walked 10 in 36 1/3 innings.
The right-hander spent seven seasons in the Miami Marlins organization, making one Major League start for the Marlins at Philadelphia in June, 2011. Â He was Class AA Southern League Pitcher of the Year in 2010, going 14-4 and also won 10 games for Class AAA New Orleans in 2014.
Villanueva went to the Baltimore Orioles system in 2015, posting a 12-12 record between Class AA Bowie and Class AAA Norfolk. Â He missed all of last season after undergoing surgery in March.
“Elih has been great for us,” said Barnstormers manager Ross Peeples.  “He has been very consistent and has a great idea and feel for pitching.  We wish him well, and we are glad he can go represent our organization with the Red Sox.”