Lincoln Saltdogs add former MLB All-Star, two outfielders to its 2025 roster
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A former Major League Baseball All-Star, along with two outfielders, will join the Lincoln Saltdogs in 2025.
In a press release on Monday, the organization announced the signing of Jair Jurrjens, Kyle Battle and Neyfy Castillo.
Jurrjens, a former MLB All-Star, is a right handed pitcher who comes to Lincoln from Olmecas de Tabasco in the Mexican League.
The 39-year-old from Curacao has an extensive resume, beginning his professional career at the age of 17 with the Detroit Tigers.
In 2007, Jurrjens made his Major League debut before signing on with the Atlanta Braves in 2008.
Jurrjens posted a 13-10 record and finished third in the National League Rookie of the Year voting.
In 2011, the righty was named to the NL All-Star team, posting a 13-6 record in 23 starts while racking up two complete games and a shutout.
Jurrjens also tallied MLB service time with Baltimore and Colorado, last playing in the big leagues in 2014.
Over his 11-year career in the MLB, Jurrjens put together a 53-38 record with 514 strikeouts.
Battle rejoins the Saltdogs for his second-straight season after hitting seven home runs and racking up 25 RBIs in 2024.
The outfielder played collegiately at Old Dominion University, hitting .315 with 27 homers and 153 RBIs in four-plus seasons.
Battle has played professionally in the New York Yankees’ organization, reaching AAA with the Scranton RailRiders.
Castillo will play his seventh season of professional ball in 2025, and his first with the Saltdogs.
A native of the Dominican Republic, the outfielder has hit 66 home runs and 307 RBIs in his career.
Reaching AAA with the Reno Aces at the beginning of last season, Castillo has also racked up 105 stolen bases throughout his playing time.
Fans can purchase tickets for the upcoming season in person at the Haymarket Park Box Office, by calling 402-474-BALL or online at the Saltdogs’ website.
The Saltdogs will kick off their season on May 9 with a three-game series against the Kansas City Monarchs in Kansas City.
The home opener at Haymarket Park is set for May 16 at 7:05 p.m. against the Winnipeg Goldeyes.
