This Week in the Minors is our weekly look at notable performances from all over the system, from big-name prospects and less-heralded guys alike. The mission is to answer this simple question: “Who had a good week?”
Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers (28-34, 1o games back)
The Storm Chasers lost 4 of their 6 games against the Columbus Clippers. On the mound, Ryan Ramsey went 5.1 innings, allowing 2 hits, 1 run, walking 4 and striking out 6 in his only start of the week. Ramsey is a 25-year-old lefty, who the Royals took in the 13th round in 2022 out of Maryland. Helcris Olivarez threw 4 innings of 1 run ball over two relief appearances, while striking out 6 batters. Oscar Rayo, who got promoted from Double-A last Friday, threw 2.1 scoreless innings in his only outing, striking out 4 batters.
At the plate, Kameron Misner was 10 for 24 at the plate, hitting 5 homers and 3 doubles, while driving in 10 runs. Newly acquired outfielder Matthew Lugo was 3 for 8 with a homer and 2 doubles. Luke Maile was 5 for 11 with a homer and 2 doubles.
The Storm Chasers return home for a series against the Las Vegas Aviators. The series runs Tuesday through Sunday.
Northwest Arkansas Naturals (25-30, 11 games back)
The Naturals won 3 of 5 games this last week against the Midland RockHounds, with one game being rained out. At the plate, Carson Roccaforte was 5 for 22 with a pair of homers, including a walk-off grand slam in Sunday’s contest. That homer was off former Royals prospect AJ Causey, who the Royals traded this offseason to the Athletics for Mitch Spence. Outfielder Rudy Martin Jr. was 4 for 6 this week with a pair of homers. Shortstop Colton Becker was 8 for 18, with two doubles.
On the mound, Drew Beam went 5 innings, allowing 4 hits, 1 run and striking out 5 in his only start of the week. Beam, who got promoted right before the season started, has settled in nicely after a rough start in Double-A. Ethan Bosacker went 4 innings, allowing 1 run and 4 hits in his only start of the week. Justin Lamkin, who has been a fast riser through the minors this season, was placed on the 7-day IL.
The Naturals hit the road to take on the Arkansas Travelers; the series runs Tuesday through Sunday.
Quad Cities River Bandits (24-30, 10.5 games back)
The River Bandits lost 4 of 6 to the South Bend Cubs last week. On the mound, it was a rough week for a lot of the River Bandits. Blake Wolters and David Shields got hit around respectively. However, Emmanuel Reyes put out a quality start in a Bandits win. The 22-year-old righty from the Dominican Republic went 6 innings, allowing 5 hits, 3 runs (1 earned), walking 2 and striking out 5. Kamden Edge recorded his 3rd save of the season in his only outing of the week. Jordan Woods, who was recently promoted from Columbia, didn’t appear in a game this week.
At the plate, Blake Mitchell was 4 for 18, with a double and homer, while also walking 6 times. Mitchell also stole 2 bases. The catcher has 12 stolen bases on the season. Derlin Figueroa went 7 for 21, with two homers and two doubles, driving 8 batters in. Figueroa plays 1st base, and is slashing .296/.375/.580 this season, with 12 homers. Outfielder Nolan Sailors went 4 for 15, with a triple. Luke Pelzer went 9 for 19 with 3 doubles.
The River Bandits hit the road to take on the Beloit Sky Carp; the series runs Tuesday through Sunday.
Columbia Fireflies (27-30, 5 games back)
The Fireflies won 4 of 6 last week against the Fayetteville Woodpeckers. At the plate, catcher Hyungchan Um went 3 for 14, blasting a grand slam. Josh Hammond was only 4 for 23 on the week, the 19-year-old shortstop has seemingly hit a wall here lately, after a torrid start to the season. On the flipside, Sean Gamble continues piece things together, the 19-year-old outfielder homered and doubled last week, while walking 4 times. The average isn’t there yet, but Gamble is getting closer and closer to a breakout.
On the mound, Kendry Chourio made two starts this week, in total going 10.1 innings, allowing 7 hits, 2 runs, while walking 2 and striking out 8. Chourio has a 1.71 season ERA over 42 innings. Jose Gutierrez threw 6 innings of 1 run ball, striking out 8 in his lone start of the week. Gutierrez is a 23-year-old right hander from Venezuela. Michael Lombardi threw 4 innings of 3 run ball in his lone start of the week.
The Fireflies return home to take on the Delmarva Shorebirds this week. The series runs Tuesday through Sunday.
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