Right-hander Dillon Gee, who set the Buffalo Bisons' modern-era record for strikeouts last season, has been named the team's Opening Day starter for Thursday's game against Syracuse in Coca-Cola Field by new manager Tim Teufel.
Gee, 24, went 13-8 with a 4.96 ERA for the Bisons last season and struck out 165 batters -- 23 more than any other pitcher in Triple-A and 28 more than the previous franchise record of 137 that had stood since 1991.
The Bisons were 19-9 in the 28 games Gee started last season as he led the team in starts, wins, innings pitched (161.1) and quality starts (14). For his efforts, Gee was named the Bisons 2010 Comeback Player of the Year after missing the final 98 games of 2009 with a right shoulder strain.
Gee got five starts for the Mets last season, posting a 2-2 record with a 2.18 ERA, striking out 17 in 33 innings. The Bisons are expected to have a strong rotation, featuring Gee, 21-year-old phenom Jenrry Mejia, returning lefty Pat Misch and free agent signee Boof Bonser.
The Bisons and Chiefs, affiliated with the Washington Nationals, open the season Thursday at 3:05 and meet again Friday at 5:05. The Pawtucket Red Sox then hit town for a four-game set that starts Saturday at 4:05.
---Mike Harrington
(www.twitter.com/bnharrington)
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