Michael makes his way to Bridgeport for his first season in the Atlantic League and sixth of professional baseball. Last year, the 26-year-old was a member of Double-A Altoona (Pittsburgh Pirates) of the Eastern League. In 37 games, including 10 starts, he posted a 5-6 record with a 3.75 ERA and 75 strikeouts in 96 innings of work.

The righthander has spent his entire professional career in the Pirates organization, including the last three seasons at the Double-A level. In 153 games career games, he owns a 18-26 record with a 3.91 ERA, 313 strikeouts and a 1.26 WHIP over the course of 379.1 innings pitched. Colla was originally drafted out of the University of Arizona by Pittsburgh in the 14th round of the 2008 amateur draft.