Rockland Boulders Sign Former Major Leaguer Carlos Rivera

By Steve Balsan

The Rockland Boulders announced today the signing of veteran free agent Carlos Rivera who will be penciled into the lineup at either first base or designated hitter.  Rivera is a former Pittsburgh Pirate and the fifth Boulder to have played in the Major Leagues following Howard Johnson, Gustavo Chacin, Julio Santana and Barry Wesson. 

Rivera was a 10th round draft pick of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1996 amateur draft.  He made his debut with the Pirates on June 22, 2003 and played in 85 games over two seasons compiling a .218 BA with 3 HR and 11 RBI.  In 2013 Rivera was a member of the Puerto Rican team in the World Baseball Classic, which ultimately lost to the Dominican Republic in the championship game.  After which he played for two teams in the Mexican League compiling a .303 BA with 15 HR and 53 RBI in 105 games.

“On Opening Day we had the mentality that we were ready for a marathon,” said Jamie Keefe Rockland Boulders field manager, “but with 20 games left in the season it becomes a sprint and we believe Carlos can help us reach the finish line.”

Johnny Welch was released to make room on the roster for Rivera.