SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — The man they call “Pollo” is back with the Sioux Falls Canaries.

Versatile left-hander Luis Pollorena is returning for a third season with the Birds, the club announced Thursday.

“Luis is really really good, and he can throw in any situation.” Canaries manager Mike Meyer said. “He’ll be a big piece for our bullpen this year.”

Pollorena threw in all sorts of scenarios in 2019, from making a spot start to working out of jams in the bullpen. On the whole he posted a 3.81 ERA, striking out 59 and walking 20 in 61.1 innings of work.

The Texas native’s 35 appearances were tied for the most on the Canaries.

“If they would let me pitch every day, I would do it,” Pollorena said. “There’s no feeling like it to get out on the mound.”

Pollorena, 29, signed with the Birds in July of 2018. He was one of Sioux Falls’ most dependable arms that season, finishing the year with a 3.56 ERA over 14 games (two starts) and walking only two batters in 30.1 innings.

That was his first stint in pro ball since 2016, his second year with the now-defunct Laredo Lemurs. Pollorena shined with Laredo that season, posting a 2.82 ERA and 0.96 WHIP over 24 appearances.

The southpaw started 2016 with Puebla in the AAA Mexican League, making 22 appearances.

Pollorena won an American Association championship with the Lemurs in 2015, posting a 3.90 ERA and starting game one of the league championship series.

A 23rd-round draft pick by the Texas Rangers in 2013, Pollorena spent two years in affiliated ball. He impressed in his first year in the minors, earning a 2.16 ERA and 1.16 WHIP between the club’s rookie and short-season affiliates.

Pollorena would make it as high as Class A Hickory in 2014 before heading to Laredo the following season.

Pollorena pitched collegiately at Mississippi State, making it to the finals of the 2013 College World Series his senior year.

The Sioux Falls Canaries open their 2020 season on May 19 at the Birdcage. Check out the Birds’ 2020 schedule here. For more information on season tickets, suites, group outings, and corporate opportunities, call the Canaries Front Office at (605) 336-6060, or visit www.sfcanaries.com.

by Carter Woodiel, Sioux Falls Canaries