According to reports from Italy, Venezuelan reliever Victor Moreno got released from the Detroit Tigers, ending his hopes to get another shot at the big leagues. After a strong showing with UGF Fortitudo Bologna in the past two seasons and in the Winter Leagues the 31-year-old had received a minor league contract with an invitation to Major League Spring Training.
Now the speculations are on if he might return to the Italian Baseball League for a third consecutive year. Fortitudo had signed former Major Leaguer Sendy Rheal as a replacement, but he is still in the Dominican Republic at the moment. They could choose to terminate the contract, opening the door for Moreno.
He played key roles during Bologna’s run for the national championship in 2009 and the European Champions Cup in 2010. Last season Moreno allowed just 17 hits, five runs (2 ER) and six walks in 32 1/3 innings for an ERA of 0.56 in 13 games. He struck out 52 batters.