Daigle to returns to Arizona

Former Smokies closer called up to parent club The Tennessee Smokies are pleased to announce that former pitcher Casey Daigle has been called up to the Arizona Diamondbacks after  left-handed reliever Terry Mulholland was placed on the 15-day disabled list with left elbow inflammation.Daigle has been added to the Diamondbacks 40-man roster after the organization purchased his contract from Triple-A Tuscon. The  25-year old right-hander appeared in two games for the Sidewinders this season allowing no runs in three innings of work. The Louisiana native served as the Smokies closer for the bulk of the 2005 season, posting 19 saves in 58 appearances during the season. Daigle also won nine games for Tennessee with a 2.67 ERA in 64 innings of work and was recognized for his work by being named to the Southern League All-Star game.Daigle’s call-up to Arizona marks a return to the major league club. He appeared in 10 games for the D’backs during the 2004 season as a starter; going 2-3 with a 7.16 ERA before finishing the season with Tuscon. Daigle marks the third Smokies player to be called up to the big leagues since beginning their affiliation with the Diamondbacks prior to the 2005 season. Pitcher Dustin Nippert (Arizona) and second baseman Dan Uggla(Florida) have both logged major league service time in the past year.The Tennessee Smokies return to action on Thursday night against the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx at 7:15 p.m. at Smokies Park. It is the first of the team’s “Tremendous Thursday’s” which feature Kids Eat Free (Children ages 12 & under with purchase of ticket) sponsored by the Knoxville News Sentinel and 93.1FM The Point , Kids Run the Bases  presented by Shoney’s and Pilot Prize Card night.