Neil Ramirez

Neil Ramirez has made 69 relief appearances spanning the last two seasons, pitching to a 1.87 ERA (12 ER/57.2 IP) while going 4-3 with three saves and 19 holds ... limited to 19 games in 2015 due to right shoulder inflammation and abdominal soreness, made his big league debut in 2014, pitching to a 1.44 ERA (7 ER/43.2 IP) in 50 relief appearances ... was claimed off waivers from Texas, August 23, 2013, a transaction that completed the player to be named portion of the four-player deal on July 22 deal that sent pitcher Matt Garza to Texas. Was an invitee to Texas' major league Spring Training in both 2012 and 2013. Named a Texas League mid-season and post-season All-Star with Double-A Frisco in 2013. Was named Texas League Pitcher of the Week for the period of June 17-23, 2013, going 2-0 with a 0.00 ERA (12.0 IP) and 16 strikeouts in two starts during the span. Was rated as the Rangers fifth-best prospect by Baseball America prior to the 2012 season. Tabbed by Baseball America as the club's sixth-best prospect among right-handed starting pitchers prior to the 2013 season. Went 3-1 with a 2.03 ERA (6 ER/26.2 IP) and 30 strikeouts through his first five starts with Triple-A Round Rock, earning Rangers Minor League Pitcher of the Month honors for April of 2011. Rated by Baseball America as the fourth-best prospect in the Northwest League and the 15th-best prospect in the Texas system following the 2008 season. w Named Northwest League Pitcher of the Week for June 23-30, 2008. Named the Rangers 13th-best prospect and Best Curveball by Baseball America following the 2007 season. Selected by Texas in the supplemental first round (44th overall) of the 2007 June Draft ... ranked as No. 71 prospect in 2007 draft by Baseball America. Graduated from Kempsville (Va.) High School and went 6-2 with a 1.46 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 52.2 innings in his senior season ... threw 15.1- scoreless postseason innings ... named 2007 Gatorade Virginia Baseball Player of the Year. Named 2006 First-Team All-District by the Virginia High School Baseball Coaches Association after going 4-3 with a 1.05 ERA and 67 strikeouts during his junior season at Kempsville High School ... also saw time at first base, shortstop and left field. Played with Maryland Orioles in the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate Baseball League, where he ranked as the No. 1 prospect as a high school player. Selected to play in 2006 Aflac All-American High School Baseball Classic. Earned silver medal with Team USA in the 2006 World Junior Championship, going 1-0 with a 2.89 ERA (3 ER/9.1 IP) and 10 strikeouts in two tournament starts. Originally signed a letter of intent to attend Georgia Tech. Participated in the second-annual Cubs Rookie Development Program in 2014.

*Courtesy Cubs.com