SIOUX FALLS, SD -- The Sioux Falls Canaries announced three key signings on Monday, receiving pitcher Josh Giles from the Amarillo Sox in exchange for a player to be named later while inking free agent outfielder Drew Muren and catcher Dallas Tarleton.

Giles, 29 is a well-seasoned reliever who began his career with the Texas Rangers in 2005. He first made the move to independent baseball in 2009 with the Lincoln Saltdogs, with subsequent stops in Schaumburg and Fargo-Moorhead of the then Northern League.  The right-hander also pitched for former Canaries manager Doc Edwards with the San Angelo Colts in the North American Baseball League in 2011.

Last season, Giles made 43 appearances with Amarillo, going 2-4 with a 3.05 ERA in 38 1/3 innings pitched, racking up 36 strikeouts against 21 walks.

Left-handed batting Muren, 25, spent three seasons in the Houston Astros system and quickly ascended to the Double-A level in 2012 and 2013. Last year Muren began at Class A Lancaster and earned a quick promotion to Class AA Corpus Christi.  He hit a combined .255 in 2013 with 19 doubles, six triples and three home runs.  He knocked home 27 RBI.

“Drew is a tremendous athlete with great speed and defensive skills,” Canaries manager Steve Shirley. “We anticipate he will really help us in the outfield and at the plate.”

The Astros drafted Muren in the 22nd round of the 2011 draft out of California State University, Northridge, where he earned All-Big West honors.

Tarleton brings Triple-A experience to the Canaries, reaching the top minor league level with the Colorado Rockies in 2012 and 2013. The Rockies selected the left-handed hitting backstop in the 20th round of the 2009 draft from Elon University (N.C.).

“Dallas brings experience we’re looking for behind the plate,” Shirley said of the 26 year-old Charlotte, N.C., native. “That should translate into a good partnership with our pitching staff.”

Tarleton is a career .251 hitter with 10 home runs and 98 RBI in 259 games. In 27 contests last season, Tarleton batted a combined .197 with one home run and three RBI with Class AAA Colorado Springs and Class AA Tulsa.

The Sioux Falls Canaries home opener is Thursday, May 15 at Sioux Falls Stadium against the Sioux City Explorers.

Courtesy:  Sioux Falls Canaries

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