Osuna to DL; Caldera joins Naturals
The 22-year old Mazatlan, Mexico resident has had a stellar season for the Naturals in 2010, posting a 6-2 record and a 2.59 ERA through 14 starts. The control specialist has 55 strikeouts and just nine walks in 80 innings pitched, and his ERA ranks him fourth-best amongst Texas League starters.
Originally signed by the Atlanta Braves as a non-drafted international free agent in July of 2004, Osuna was acquired by the Kansas City Royals in last December's Major League Rule 5 Draft. He became a Natural on the final days of spring training when the Braves opted not to claim him back, allowing the Royals to outright him to their minor league system. His placement on the disabled list is retroactive to June 24th.
To fill his spot on the Naturals' roster, right-hander Alex Caldera joins the club from the Wilmington Blue Rocks, the Royals' Advanced Class-A affiliate in the Carolina League. Caldera, a 24-year old resident of El Centro, CA, posted a 6-4 record and a 3.25 ERA in 13 appearances (12 starts) for the Blue Rocks. Like Osuna, he has excellent control, striking out 71 batters and issuing just 20 walks in 74 2/3 innings this season, his second in the Carolina League.
The Royals' 13th round pick in the 2007 draft, Caldera was a Carolina League All-Star this year. He'll make his Texas League debut Friday night against the Arkansas Travelers.
Caldera will wear uniform #12 for the Naturals. Following the moves, the Naturals' roster remains at the Texas League limit of 24 active players.
Texas League President Tom Kayser also announced that Naturals' reliever Brandon Sisk will replace Osuna on the Texas League North Division All-Star team. The All-Star Game is this coming Wednesday in Midland, TX. Sisk is 4-2 with a 2.90 ERA and six saves in 19 games for the Naturals this season. He was signed by the Royals as a non-drafted free-agent in July 2008 after pitching in independent ball.
Kayser also announced that Naturals' third baseman Mike Moustakas will receive a one-game suspension from the league following his actions and ensuing ejection during Wednesday's game against the Tulsa Drillers. Moustakas, who has 18 homers and 66 RBI this season, will serve the suspension during Friday night's game against the Travelers.
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state of the art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. You can purchase season tickets and group outings with the Naturals by calling (479) 927-4900.