Jake Junis Promoted To Omaha
The Kansas City Royals have announced a series of transactions that affects their Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers roster prior to Monday evening's faceoff against the Colorado Springs Sky Sox at Werner Park.
Right-handed pitcher Jake Junis has been transferred to Omaha from Double-A Northwest Arkansas, and is set to make his Triple-A debut this evening. At the time of his promotion, the 23-year-old paces the Texas League in strikeouts (117), in addition to second in WHIP (1.15), third in earned-run average (3.25), tied for third in wins (nine) and fifth in innings pitched (119.0). Over 21 total outings with the Naturals this year, Junis has tallied a 9-7 record and 3.25 ERA (43 ER/119.0 IP), adding 117 strikeouts to just 27 walks.
The 2016 Texas League All-Star also leads all Royals farmhands in 2016 in wins and strikeouts, as well as first among full-season Royals minor league hurlers in earned-run average. The Illinois native was selected by the Royals in the 29th round of the 2011 MLB Draft and is considered the tenth-best prospect in Kansas City's system by MLB Pipeline.
In a corresponding move, right-hander Alec Mills has been placed on the Disabled List retroactive to August 6. The 24-year-old in eight starts with Omaha this year has compiled a 3-3 record and 5.54 ERA (24 ER/39.0 IP), adding 34 strikeouts to 14 walks.
As a result of these moves, Omaha's roster now stands at 25 active players, in addition to five on the Disabled List and LHP Mike Minor on a Major League Rehab Assignment.
Junis is set to make his Triple-A and Storm Chasers debut this evening in the second game of a four-game set against the Sky Sox. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT at Werner Park. Colorado Springs is anticipated to send LHP Josh Hader (0-3, 5.44) to the mound to oppose Junis.
Tickets for tonight's game and all remaining Storm Chasers home dates are still available and can be purchased online at www.omahastormchasers.com/tickets or by calling the Werner Park Ticket Office at (402) 738-5100.