FORMER NATURALS SHOWING OUT IN CACTUS LEAGUE

SPRINGDALE, AR - With every passing day we are getting closer and closer to the Northwest Arkansas Naturals home opener at Arvest Ballpark on Thursday, April 5 against the Corpus Christi Hooks (Double-A Houston Astros). A Naturals game provides an opportunity for fans to get an up-close look at the future stars of the Kansas City Royals and many of whom are showing out right now for the Kansas City Royals in Spring Training Cactus League action.
Former Naturals Infielder Whit Merrifield has been lighting up opposing pitching so far as he holds a .465 batting average with four HR and 11 RBI in 43 at-bats. He put an exclamation point on those stats as he went 3-4 with two homers and three RBI yesterday against the San Francisco Giants.
Jakob Junis , another guy who had a breakout year in 2017, has picked up right where he left off for the Royals. Making his third start of the spring in a split-squad contest against the Rangers, Junis dealt four innings allowing three hits, two runs (one earned) and striking out four for the no-decision. Over three starts Junis holds a 1-0 record with a 1.80 ERA, 0.60 WHIP and 14 punch-outs in ten innings of work.

Former Texas League Player of the Year, Mike Moustakas , signed a one year deal on March 10^th returning to the Royals for what will be his eighth year. The power-hitting third baseman didn't waste any time getting on the score sheet going 1-4 with a two RBI single in his first game back on March 16^th. He has continued to rake, batting .400 with two home runs and seven RBI in his 15 plate appearances.
2011 Texas League All-Star, Salvador Perez has been tearing up Cactus League pitching. Against the San Diego Padres on March 16 he belted a first inning bomb and followed it up with a solo-shot in the 6^th. Through 34 at-bats Perez owns a .382 average with six HR and 11 RBI.
Among the crop of 19 non-roster invitees to Major League camp were a plethora of young prospects who have played for the Naturals over the last two season. Pitchers Foster Griffin, Richard Lovelady , Josh Staumont were joined by position players Donnie Dewees , Nick Dini , Samir Dueñez , Jack Lopez , Nicky Lopez , Frank Schwindel and Ryan O'Hearn just to name a few.
Frank Schwindel and Ryan O'Hearn have made the most noise with the major league club and continue to make their case for big league consideration in 2018. Schwindel has been torrid of late as he is coming off a 9-for-11 stretch with five home runs and 11 RBI. On the spring, Frank is hitting .323 with five home runs and 12 RBI. Meanwhile, O'Hearn has hit a blistering .419 this spring with five home runs and 13 RBI and bashed with Schwindel by going 7-for-13 with four homers during that same stretch from March 12 through March 18.
Several of the non-roster invitees were sent to Minor League camp amidst the first round of roster cuts administered on March 12^th. Samir Duenez was the lone player optioned to Northwest Arkansas at that time.
The 2018 season of Naturals baseball at Arvest Ballpark will begin when Northwest Arkansas hosts the Corpus Christi Hooks, the Double-A Affiliate of the World Champion Houston Astros, on Thursday, April 5 at 6:25 p.m.
Follow the Northwest Arkansas Naturals on Twitter @NWANaturals all throughout the year by using the hashtags #NaturalPastime and #CrowntoCrown for all of our up-to-date information on the 2018 schedule, tickets, group outings, promotions, roster, and Spring Training information as we prepare for the upcoming 2018 season.
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information, including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.
-Naturals-