Crushers Add Juan Zapata

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:

Zane Bloom, zbloom@lakeeriecrushers.com

910-777-3871

Crushers Sign Juan Zapata, RHP from Guardians Organization

Avon, OH - March 31, 2025 - The Lake Erie Crushers have signed Juan Zapata, a 26-year old right-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic out of the Cleveland Guardians organization.

Zapata, 26, began his professional career at the age of 19, appearing in the Dominican Summer League before breaking into A-Ball with the Lynchburg Hillcats in 2021. Since then he has seen time at every level of the Guardians’ minor league organization, making it to AAA-Columbus as recently as last season in 2024. He dazzled in his opportunity, giving up just one run in five innings across his two appearances.

Overall, in his six seasons in MiLB, Zapata sported a 4.87 ERA across 364 innings. He pitches to contact and limits walks, surrendering 3.0 BB/9 in his career to go with 276 strikeouts. Zapata made five starts for the Lake County Captains (High-A) in 2024 and has 46 career starts under his belt. Zapata gives Skipper Jared Lemieux options to expand his starting rotation or supplement the strong bullpen in 2025.

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The Crushers will kick off the 2025 season on the road on May 8 against the New York Boulders before returning to Crushers Stadium for the home opener on Tuesday, May 13, against the Florence Y’alls.

Flexible 2025 Crushers ticket memberships are now on sale, giving fans the best experience on their terms and schedule. Plans start at $40 and include a priority selection of games, no ticket service fees, and the option of subscription-based payment plans. Fans can view more information at www.LakeErieCrushers.com.

Whether it’s a birthday celebration, youth sports night, corporate event, or family reunion, group outings with the Crushers offer great fan experiences and benefits, including reserved seating and special perks. Visit www.LakeErieCrushers.com/groups or call (440) 934-3636 for more information.

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About the Lake Erie Crushers

The Lake Erie Crushers are a professional baseball team that plays just 18 miles outside Cleveland at the 5,000 seat Crushers Stadium in Avon, Ohio. They compete in the Frontier League - a prestigious MLB Partner League. Since its founding in 2009, the Crushers have been dedicated to delivering exciting baseball and family-friendly entertainment to fans in Northeast Ohio.