Zach Stewart Traded…

On Monday, March 10th, the White Sox dealt RHP Zach Stewart to the Atlanta Braves for cash considerations. Stewart, 26, spent the entire 2013 season with the Charlotte Knights and posted a 6–14 record with a 4.25 ERA. The Texas native made 28 starts for the Knights — the most on the club for the season. He also led the team in innings pitched (167.1), hits allowed (187), runs allowed (89), and strikeouts (122).

Originally a third-round pick of the Reds in the 2008 draft, Stewart led the International League in innings pitched, batters faced (702), and at-bats against (654). While it was an up-and-down season for Stewart, he did finish it off in style. He also helped the Knights close down Knights Stadium — their 24-year-old home — in winning fashion.

On September 2, 2013, the Charlotte Knights hosted the Gwinnett Braves in the final game ever at Knights Stadium in Fort Mill. The Knights played 24 years at “The Castle” and 25 overall years in Fort Mill. On September 2, the team hosted the G-Braves in the last ever game there and Stewart got the nod for the Knights.

The former Cincinnati farmhand turned in his best outing of the season against Gwinnett — a team he could pitch for in 2014. He allowed one walk and 10 hits over eight shutout innings for his sixth and final win of the 2013 campaign. His name will forever go down in history as the last winning pitcher at Knights Stadium. The Knights shut out the Braves for the 4–0 win. It was a perfect ending to a historic ballpark.

The Texas Tech University product enters the 2014 season with a career Minor League mark of 27–33 with a 3.49 ERA in 140 games over six seasons. In parts of two seasons at the Major League level, Stewart owns a 3–10 record with a 6.82 ERA in 33 games.

I’ll keep an eye on Stewart this offseason and see where he ends up as the year goes on. If he does end up with Gwinnett, the Knights host the Braves at BB&T Ballpark from April 16–18. Stay tuned!