Wild Things’ rotation gets boost with return of DiValerio
Washington Wild Things
The Wild Things’ reworked pitching staff became more experienced and reliable Tuesday when the Frontier League team announced that right-handed starter Jordan DiValerio has been re-signed for the 2025 season.
DiValerio will be in Washington for a second year after being the Wild Things’ Opening Day starter last season. A former Boston Red Sox minor leaguer, DiValerio had a strong debut season with Washington, posting a 10-2 record and 3.39 ERA. The 10 wins tied for the team high.
Of DiValerio’s 20 outings a year ago, 12 were considered quality starts – at least six innings pitched and no more than three earned runs allowed. He had six consecutive quality starts from July 23 to August 20 and at one point strung together 17 2/3 scoreless innings. His best outing came Aug. 3 at home against Sussex County when he threw a two-hit shutout in a 2-0 win. DiValerio faced only one batter above the minimum in that game.
Before joining the Wild Things, DiValerio (6-0, 200) played three years in the Red Sox system, advancing to high-Class A Greenville. He pitched in 91 games for Red Sox affiliates.
DiValerio is a native of Berwick and played his college baseball at St. Joseph’s in Philadelphia . He made 23 starts for the Hawks. He went undrafted in 2020 – when the draft was reduced to five rounds – and signed with Boston.
The Wild Things have two of their five starting pitchers from a year ago under contract. DiValerio joins right-hander Zach Kirby as returnees in the rotation.
Spring training for the Wild Things begins April 24. The season opener is May 9 at Windy City and the home opener is scheduled for May 13 against Ottawa.