Last summer Lala signed with the Mallards on July 26 as an injury replacement and was very effective in allowing three earned runs over 10.2 innings of bullpen work while striking out 13 batters. He figures to see a lot of work this season as a situational right-hander after his lights-out performance last July call-up. Lala has signed a letter of intent to play at the University of Iowa beginning next fall.

“There’s quite a bit of buzz surrounding Lala this spring, and we’re excited to have him back considering how well he pitched for us last summer and the important role he’ll play as a late-innings reliever,” said Thieleke.