Peluso

Butler BlueSox manager Jason Wuerfel needed an arm. Derek Peluso just needed a chance.

Peluso, a graduate of Seneca Valley who will be a sophomore at Point Park University, was an integral part of the Prospect League team during its drive for a berth in the playoffs, which was effectively ended by a 7-3, 12-inning loss to Chillicothe (Ohio) Wednesday night.

"When Derek came on to the team, I needed a body," said Wuerfel. "I would have been happy with anyone who could get the ball to the plate.

"He's wildly exceeded my expectations. His cut fastball's about as fast as I've seen, in the mid-to-upper 80s. He's worked on secondary pitches, jamming lefties. He's turned into a great setup man," Wuerfel added.

The Zelienople resident joined the team with some wooden bat experience, having played with the Seneca Valley Palomino team for four years.

"Coming into it, I knew some of the players in the league and I knew how competitive it would be," said Peluso. "I was looking forward to the opportunity."

Peluso had been penciled in for the bullpen, which is where Wuerfel wanted him.

"I had Trent DeLazzer coming in during the first half," said Wuerfel, "and I rode him ragged. Derek's afforded us the chance to tone that down and he's really stood out."

This season with the BlueSox, Peluso, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound right-hander, has made 13 appearances, including one start, and is 2-3 with a 3.52 ERA with 23 strikeouts and 10 walks in 23 innings.

Over his last two appearances, Peluso has recorded no runs, one hit, one walk and two strikeouts over 3X\c innings.

"I've been pretty pleased," said Peluso. "I've pitched a lot of innings and have done pretty well. I just want to get the opportunity and try and do my best."

While at Point Park, Peluso played in 27 of 32 games last season, including 12 games on the mound (two starts).

He was 0-1 with a 6.31 ERA with 18 walks and 15 strikeouts, but he also batted .280 with 10 RBI, 10 runs, 10 walks, three triples, two doubles and a .362 on-base percentage.

He was an honorable mention on the American Mideast Conference Baseball team for the Pioneers, who are coming off a 13-33 campaign.

Between the college and Prospect League seasons, Peluso has seen more action than he's used to.

"The biggest adjustment is I've played about 70 games in such a short period of time," he said. "I'm just trying to keep my arm healthy. It's nothing too major. I've been playing all my life."