Monday, July 13, 2009

Cipriano to join Biscuits after All-Star break

Second baseman Cody Cipriano, who rebounded from an injury-filled 2008 to become one of Class A Charlotte's most productive hitters, just arrived in Montgomery to join the Biscuits after the All-Star break.

Cipriano suffered a major wrist injury and, soon after returning, had a knee injury. He played in just 42 games and hit .195 in low-Class A.

"Last year was a bit of a speed bump," Cipriano said. "I was on the disabled list all year. ... This year has definitely been a bright spot so far."

Cipriano had a .297 average with 41 runs scored and 35 RBIs in 72 games with the Stone Crabs. He was told of his promotion Sunday and drove all day today to Montgomery.

"I got to say my good-byes to everybody on the team," Cipriano said. "That's a great bunch of guys in Port Charlotte and everybody came by to see me. I was definitely excited knowing I had an 8 1/2-hour drive up here today."

Cipriano was a ninth-round draft pick in 2007 from Cal Irvine (the Anteaters) and hit .271 in 59 games with short-season Hudson Valley that year.

"I've heard a lot of good things about him," Biscuits manager Billy Gardner said. "He's a hard-nosed player who can swing the bat. I'm looking forward to having him here. He'll be a good addition for us."

The Biscuits were short an infielder after shortstop Brandon Chaves went on the disabled list Sunday. Chaves suffered an elbow injury diving for a ball in Montgomery's series at Tennessee. X-rays were negative on Chaves' elbow, but it's unclear how long he'll be out.

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