PITTSBURGH, Pa. – Point Park's Joathan Rivera has been signed by the West Virginia Black Bears of the MLB Draft League.

"First of all I am thankful to God for blessing me with this opportunity. I am especially grateful for my family, Coach Torres and the coaching staff for believing in me and supporting me along the journey along with my teammates," said Rivera. "I am committed to do my best out there competing and doing what I most love to do, which is having fun on the field and playing the sport that has opened up many doors and brought me great experiences."

The 6'1 right-handed pitcher from Caguas, Puerto Rico was a main component of the Pioneers pitching rotation making 52 appearances in his three years as a Pioneer finishing with a record of 14-7. Rivera pitched in 150 innings for Point Park posting a 5.14 career ERA with 156 strikeouts. During the 2024 RSC Championship game vs. IU Southeast Rivera picked up the win in relief for the Pioneers as he pitched three innings allowing one run on three hits while picking up three strikeouts.

"We are sure proud to see Joathan attain an opportunity to compete in the MLB Draft League," said Head Coach Loren Torres. "We wish him success and blessings, and we hope his performance leads to a professional contract."

The MLB Draft League is a six-team based league featuring a split-season amateur-professional format. The first half of the MLB Draft League season features Draft-eligible players aiming to improve their stock ahead of the annual MLB Draft in July. The League switches to a professional format in the second half, with paid players comprising the six rosters.