The Glacier Range Riders lost their opening day starter Tuesday, and for the right reason: The Houston Astros signed right-hander Logan VanWey to a Major League development contract.

The Range Riders’ social media announced the signing late Tuesday, noting that VanWey threw the first-ever pitch for the Flathead Valley’s Pioneer League team, on May 23.

Now he’s the first to get picked up by an MLB team.

“You hate to see him go, but you’re sure happy for him,” Range Riders manager Nick Hogan said Wednesday. “The smile on his face yesterday said it all.”

VanWey was 2-2 with a 6.64 earned-run average with the Range Riders. With a fastball in the 91-92 mph arange, the sidewinder out of Missouri Southern allowed 47 hits and 21 walks with 46 strikeouts over 39 1-3 innings. Take away his worst outing on July 2 and he’s 2-1 with 37 hits allowed in 36 2-3 innings and a 5.15 ERA.

Pitching has been the weaker part of the Range Riders roster in their inaugural season, with a 6.99 team ERA that ranks seventh out of 10 teams. Now Hogan needs to replace VanWey.

“He’s been one of our most consistent arms, along with (Noah) Barros,” Hogan said. “I didn’t think we’d have him this long. He’s a kid who’s really busted his butt to get to the next level.”

There should be more signings around the PL, given that the MLB’s first-year player draft ended after 20 rounds.

“That’s what it’s all about, helping these guys get to the next level,” Hogan said.