Stoner Called Up To St. Lucie

Posted Tuesday, June 5, 2007

SAVANNAH, Ga. – Sand Gnats starting pitcher Tobi Stoner has been called up to the advanced Class-A St. Lucie Mets, the New York Mets announced Tuesday. Stoner is 3-5 with a 3.61 ERA in 11 starts. He is the first Gnat to earn a promotion this season.

The 22-year-old righty was the Sand Gnats opening day starter this year, but started the season with a five-game losing streak due in large part to low run support. Since then, he has rebounded to win his last three decisions. He is expected to make his first start for St. Lucie on Wednesday.

Drafted out of Davis & Elkins (W.Va.) College in the 16th round of the 2006 draft, Stoner has a career record of 9-7 with a 2.74 ERA. Entering the season he was ranked by Baseball America as the 22nd best prospect in the New York Mets organization.

The Mets have not announced any roster move to replace Stoner. He was scheduled to start Tuesday’s game at home against Charleston, but instead Jeremy Mizell will make his first career start.

Tuesday the Sand Gnats will host the RiverDogs in the finale of a four-game series. It will be an Applebee’s Two-for-One Tuesday with 2-for-1 Budweisers at the game. For tickets and a complete schedule, call the Sand Gnats office or visit www.sandgnats.com.