(August 5, 2022, New York) – The Atlantic League today named Eddie Butler of Southern Maryland as the Pitcher of the Month while selecting a trifecta of stars as the July Players of the Month. The three hitters sharing the Player of the Month award are Alejandro De Aza of the Long Island Ducks, Zach Jarrett of the Gastonia Honey Hunters and Melvin Mercedes of the Lancaster Barnstormers.

Butler was an incredible 5-0 in July, making six starts and throwing one complete game. He tossed 38.2 innings and struck out 24 while walking just 10. Butler posted two wins over High Point during the month and earned single victories over Charleston, Staten Island and Long Island. He posted a 3.49 ERA for his six starts.

Jarrett, De Aza and Mercedes all recorded remarkably similar statistics, highlight by identical 23-game hitting streaks from Jarrett and Mercedes which rank as the longest streaks in the Atlantic League this season. Each of the three posted a slugging percentage of over .600 and an OPS (on-base + slugging) in excess of 1.0.

Jarrett, who plays both left and rightfield for Gastonia, hit .365 in 24 contests in July with seven home runs and 22 RBI while helping Gastonia to a 22-5 record for the month. He garnered at least one hit in every game from July 1 through July 29 including 10 multi-hit contests. Jarrett hit seven home runs and drove in 22 while scoring 20 runs and stealing seven bases.

Mercedes, Lancaster’s second baseman, matched Jarrett’s 23-game hitting streak with at least one safety in every game between July 3 and July 27. Mercedes hit .368 for the month in 28 games, scoring 26 runs and hitting six home runs to go with his 24 RBI and 19 walks.

De Aza, Long Island’s centerfielder, moved into the top spot in the Atlantic League’s batting average race by collecting a league-high 43 base hits and 14 doubles while hitting .394 with four home runs, 19 RBI and six stolen bases while scoring 20 runs.

“Having three outstanding players in the Atlantic League with such similar statistics and impact on the game is simply a reflection of the high caliber of play from Zach, Melvin and Alejandro,” said league president Rick White. “Eddie Butler had a remarkable month as well and all four players are well-deserving of this recognition.”