professional contract.AUSTRALIA – The Pittsburgh Pirates have signed Australian right-handed pitcher Mitchell Fienemann to a professional contract.  The West Torrens native, who suffered a serious injury in late 2007, will report to spring training camp in Florida to continue his rehabilitation with the Pittsburgh training staff.

The 6 foot 4 inch pitcher agreed to a professional contract in 2007, but suffered a labral flap tear to his right shoulder a few days later. The contract was voided and Fienemann had surgery before enduring a long and painful rehabilitation.

Fienemann made a return to the mound this past December and Pittsburgh scout Tony Harris liked what he saw and recommended to the Pirates front office that they make an offer to the tall, lanky hurler with a fastball that touches 90 mph.

“We are very excited to have been able to acquire someone of Mitchell’s caliber. Mitch has worked very hard during his rehabilitation. He deserves this opportunity and we are delighted that he is the latest Australian to become a Pittsburgh Pirate,” said Harris after the signing.

When asked what it was that he liked so much now about Mitch, Harris said “Mitch’s strength and velocity has never been so good which is a great sign of things to come.”

Photo/Data courtesy of Australian Baseball Federation

Tags: Australia, National League