Two members of the Windy City ThunderBolts have been signed this week by Major League Baseabll organizations. On Tuesday, starting pitcher Kyle Von Ruden’s contract was purchased by the Chicago White Sox and on Wednesday, reliever Kevin Lenik was added to the list of ThunderBolts moving on to affiliated ball when his contract was purchased by the Kansas City Royals.
Von Ruden, 23, was enjoying great success in his second season with the ThunderBolts. His 1.95 ERA through four starts was fifth best in the Frontier League. He threw a career-best eight shutout innings on May 27 and was named the Frontier League’s Pitcher of the Week for his efforts. Von Ruden tied his career high with six strikeouts in his final ThunderBolts start on June 8.
He was signed out of the University of Hawaii in July of 2016 and remained in the Windy City rotation for the rest of the year. In his rookie campaign, Von Ruden started nine games and posted a 4.41 ERA with 37 strikeouts and 20 walks in 51 innings.
Lenik, 25, was signed by the ThunderBolts just prior to the 2017 season. He took on a setup role in the Bolts’ bullpen and posted a 3.48 ERA in 11 appearances. He struck out 17 in only 10.1 innings. After struggling on Opening Night, Lenik allowed only one run on four hits in his final 9.2 innings pitched.
Primarily an outfielder in college, Lenik began his pro career as a pitcher in 2016 in the Texas Rangers system. He went 1-2 with a 5.17 ERA in short season Class A with Spokane. He finished that season with 32 strikeouts in 31.1 innings.
Von Ruden and Lenik are the first two members of the 2017 ThunderBolts to get signed by big league organizations. Von Ruden is the ninth Windy City player to be signed by the White Sox and Lenik is the fourth to be signed by the Royals, the first since Anthony Seratelli in 2006.
