Early retirements

Matt Cotellese's second stint with the Wild Things didn't last much longer than his first.

The former NCAA Division II All-American was placed on the retired list Monday because of recurring elbow discomfort. The outfielder from Boyertown and West Chester University played in only one game last summer before being released because of a strained elbow ligament.

Maybe it was the curse of the O-R that sidelined Cotellese. He was the subject of a feature story in today's edition.

Cotellese was one of two players retired by the Wild Things. The other was first baseman Paul Chmiel. During Thursday's intrasquad game, Chmiel probably did more to help his case for making the team than any other player. Chmiel went 2-for-3 including a home run off Zach Groh. Chmiel, who played in the Baltimore Orioles' system, told the Wild Things that he is getting married in October and no longer had the fire to play baseball.

Chmiel's retirement comes less than a week after the Wild Things traded first baseman Robbie Wine to another league. Washington has gone from having three first baseman a week ago to one (Adam Amar). Jacob Dempsey was playing first base during practice Monday.

The moves leave Washington with 34 players in camp.

First move of second half

The Wild Things have made one roster move as they begin the second half of the season. Left-handed pitcher Aaron Fuhrman (1-2, 7.66) has been released and outfielder Matt Cotellese (pictured) has been signed.

Fuhrman was a pitcher the Wild Things had expected to make the starting rotation this year after he advanced to Class A in the Tigers system by age 20. However, he struggled from the beginning of camp and never found a role on the staff.

Cotellese (6-1, 200) is from Boyertown and played collegiately at West Chester University, where he was a two-time NCAA Division first team All-American. He played center field for the Golden Rams.

This spring, Cotellese was named the PSAC East Division Player of the Year for the second year in a row and led West Chester to the Division II World Series. He batted .427 with a school-record 25 doubles, 11 home runs, 71 RBI and 14 stolen bases. His numbers as a junior were almost identical, as he batted .415 with 19 doubles, 12 home runs, 58 RBI and 21 stolen bases. He played right field as a junior.

Cotellese is a right-handed batter.