Soto Returns to Smokies’ Roster Saturday

Elliot Soto. Photo Courtesy: Roger C. Hoover.

By Adam Kline / Smokies Radio Network

KODAK, Tenn. – The Tennessee Smokies, Class AA minor league affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, announce today that INF Elliot Soto will join the team in advance of today’s game against the Huntsville Stars.  In a corresponding roster move, INF Nate Samson has been promoted to the Class Triple-A Iowa Cubs.  Additionally, RHP Lendy Castillo has completed his rehab assignment with the Smokies and been activated by Chicago.  All moves are immediate, with Soto being available for the team’s 6:15 p.m. game at Smokies Park.

Tennessee’s roster is at 25 active players, which is the Southern League maximum.

Soto, who will wear uniform number five, comes back to the Smokies where he began the 2012 season.  The 23-year-old infielder played in 73 games with Tennessee before being sent to High-A Daytona on July 16.  With the Smokies he hit .215 (42-for-195) with five doubles, four triples and 12 RBIs.  The Elgin, Ill. native was drafted by the Cubs in the 15th round of the 2010 draft out of Creighton University.

Samson, 24, heads to Iowa for the second time this season.  The right-handed infielder hit .271 (57-for-210) with 12 doubles, two home runs and 14 RBIs in 75 games with the Smokies.  The Ocala, Fla. native was drafted by the Cubs in the 34th round of the 2006 draft out of Ocala (Fla.) Forest Senior High School.

Castillo, 23, appeared in two games (both starts) with the Smokies where he posted no record and a 3.00 ERA (1 ER/3.0 IP).  The Dominican Republic native was selected by the Cubs in the major league portion of the Rule Five Draft on December 8. 2011.