Miner Makes His Return to Majors

SPRINGDALE, Ark. - Zach Miner has worn six different uniforms since last pitching in the Major Leagues in 2009. The next uniform Miner wears will be that of the Philadelphia Phillies.

Miner, who played in 11 games for the Naturals during the 2011 season, had his contract purchased by the Phillies earlier today after J.C. Ramirez was designated for assignment. He is the 34^th former Natural to play in the Major Leagues and is the third this year to receive the call, joining Derrick Robinson (2010, 2011) and Ed Lucas (2008, 2009).

The fourth round selection of the Atlanta Braves in the 2000 June Free Agent draft, Miner was traded to the Detroit Tigers with Roman Colon in exchange for Kyle Farnsworth on July 31, 2005. Miner made his Major League debut with the Tigers on month, day 2006 and compiled a 25-20 record with the Tigers in 157 games over the course of four seasons. After missing the entire 2010 season due to injury, Miner signed with the Kansas City Royals for the 2011 season and split the year with the Naturals and Triple-A Omaha. Miner returned to the Tigers for the 2012 season, spending the year with the club's Gulf Coast League affiliate Double-A Erie and Triple-A Toledo before signing with Philadelphia as a minor league free agent in December.

In 27 games with Triple-A Lehigh Valley this season, the 31-year-old Miner is 5-6 with a 3.90 ERA.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and proud host of the 77^th Annual Texas League All Star Game. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, AR. For more information including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.