Otters bring back Cable, Beardsley, Cullen and Gould

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The Evansville Otters have signed pitchers Tanner Cable and Tyler Beardsley, outfielder Hunter Cullen, and infielder J.J. Gould to contract extensions for the 2019 season.
Cable signed with the Otters in the last week of the 2018 regular season. The Hernando, Miss. native made two appearances, surrendering one run, and striking out four. In Evansville’s FLDS appearance, Cable pitched a combined 5.2 innings, allowing one run, and striking out 10 Washington batters.
“Tanner was able to go right after hitters and put them away,” said Otters manager Andy McCauley. “He showed a lot of moxie down the stretch for us and we felt comfortable using him in the postseason.”
“I’m extremely grateful and excited to be coming back to Evansville,” said Cable. “With a chance at a full season with the Otters, I think I will be able to show a lot on how I can progress, be tough, and come out every single day ready to work.”
Cable played collegiately at Northwest Mississippi Community College and Delta State University. Before joining the Otters, the right-hander spent 2017 with the Gateway Grizzlies, going 4-4 in 32 appearances with a 3.91 ERA and 46 strikeouts.
“He is a plus arm that should figure in a prominent role in our bullpen,” said McCauley.
“I felt better on the mound with Evansville than I have in a long time, and I’m looking forward to making another push toward a postseason appearance,” said Cable.
Beardsley, the Tehachapi, Calif. native, evolved into a solid arm in the Otters starting rotation in the second half of the 2018 season. The right-hander began the 2018 season in the Otters bullpen, making 22 relief appearances. He moved into the starting rotation on July 28, finishing with seven total starts.
“Tyler showed great versatility by throwing in a number of roles for us last season,” said McCauley.
“I’m very excited about coming back for another season and looking forward to competing everyday with the guys this year,” said Beardsley.
Beardsley was 5-8 with a 4.35 ERA and 50 strikeouts in 72.1 innings pitched in 2018.
Beardsley was drafted by the Minnesota Twins organization in the 16th round of the 2016 MLB June Amateur draft out of California State University Sacramento. He spent two years in the Twins organization.
“I’m hoping to have another healthy, strong season on the mound,” said Beardsley. “I learned a lot last year and been working on a few things this offseason so I’m anxious to put them into play this year.”
“We are looking forward to having him back to solidify our pitching staff,” said McCauley.
Cullen, from Newport Beach, Calif., returns to the Otters in 2019 after seeing action in 75 games in 2018, showing a strong defensive prowess in centerfield and swift feet on the base paths.
“Hunter is a plus defender in centerfield and made some outstanding defensive plays for us,” said McCauley. “He also made a lot of progress last year offensively.”
“I’m beyond excited to get another opportunity to continue playing, especially with an organization that helps develop and get athletes to the next level,” said Cullen.
Cullen batted .240 with 11 extra-base hits, 23 RBIs, scoring 38 runs, and swiped 12 bases in 2018. Defensively, Cullen had four outfield assists.
“Hunter is a very capable player and can contribute great things for us this year, and with continued improvement, we could see him position himself higher in the lineup,” said McCauley.
“I am going to come ready to compete every game,” said Cullen. “I got a taste of the competition and what is expected, and I’m ready to perform and not give much away.”
Before joining the Otters, Cullen played for Cal State Fullerton from 2015-17, making three trips to the NCAA Tournament.
Gould was a mid-season addition in the final month of the 2018 regular season for the Otters, settling in at shortstop. Before coming to Evansville, the Sarasota, Fla. native played with St. Paul and Winnipeg of the American Association.
“I’m happy to be back in Evansville and see my teammates, coaches and ballpark staff,” said Gould.
“J.J. showed great defense at shortstop last year, and with the right adjustments offensively, he could be a really big part of 2019,” said McCauley.
In 38 games played, Gould batted .254 with nine doubles, 16 runs and 12 RBIs. Defensively, Gould helped turn 11 double plays.
“I think we did a lot of good things last season, and I think we are all excited to build on that when we kick it off this season,” said Gould.
Gould played collegiately at Jacksonville University before being drafted by the Miami Marlins organization in the 24th round of the 2016 MLB Amateur Draft. He spent parts of two seasons with the Marlins organization.
The Otters will open the 25th season celebration against the Southern Illinois Miners on May 10 at Bosse Field.