Photo courtesy of Christian Stewart |
Over the winter, Bibens-Dirkx led the Venezuelan Winter League in wins (7) and posted a sparkling 2.19 ERA. He also struck out 51 batters and only walked 22 in 78 innings pitched, while holding opponents to a paltry .201 batting average.
Bibens-Dirkx had been part of the Chicago Cubs systems since he was signed in July 2009 after mowing down Golden Baseball League hitters while a member of the Victoria Seals. If all goes well, Bibens-Dirkx could become the second ex-Seal to make the big leagues (Dane De La Rosa was the first). The Nationals are set to start their exhibition schedule tomorrow afternoon with a game against Georgetown University. Best of luck in spring training, Austin!