The KC Royals went 3-3 last week, losing their first game of the season on Wednesday. Then their series with Oakland happened, which was supposed to be a fun series with Billy Butler back in town, but instead turned ugly (with possible suspensions coming).
Royals shortstop Orlando Calixte during spring training 2013 (Jen Nevius).
Right fielder Alex Rios went on the DL, shortstop Alcides Escobar was spiked, closer Greg Holland went on the DL, and second baseman Omar Infante hurt his groin. Orlando Calixte was the Royals third position player callup of the week and made his Major League debut on Sunday as a pinch runner (then went in to play shortstop, going 0-for-2 with a run scored). Yohan Pino made his Royals debut on Saturday, entering in relief when Yordano Ventura was ejected.
Here’s hoping this week is much calmer for the Royals, as they welcome Minnesota for three games starting tonight and head to Chicago to play the White Sox for four games over the weekend.
Triple-A Omaha went 4-2 last week, winning a doubleheader on Sunday that took them into Monday morning. The Storm Chasers finish their series with New Orleans tonight before welcoming Memphis to town for four games.
Double-A NW Arkansas went 3-3 last week. The Naturals continue their home series with Frisco tonight. Outfielder Ethan Chapman made his season debut and hit a home run in his first game. However, they lost reliever Ali Williams to a right shoulder injury.
High-A Wilmington went 4-2 last. The Blue Rocks begin a three-game series with Potomac tonight (if Mother Nature cooperates).
Low-A Lexington went 3-3 last week. The Legends start a three-game series against Greenville tonight.
Now to the awards…
Royals Hitter of the Week: Centerfielder Lorenzo Cain continued to stay hot into week two. He went 9-for-22 in six games (.409) with three doubles, a home run, and six RBIs. LoCain also walked twice, stole three bases, and scored six runs.
Royals Pitcher of the Week: Yohan Pino saved the Royals bullpen on Saturday, entering the game after Ventura’s ejection. Pino threw 4.2 scoreless innings. He allowed three hits and struck out three.
Blue Rocks centerfielder Bubba Starling on deck against Salem on May 12, 2014 (Jen Nevius).
Minor League Hitter of the Week: Blue Rocks centerfielder Bubba Starling may not be in Wilmington much longer. The returnee went 10-for-23 with a double, a home run, three runs scored, and five RBIs last week. He also stole two bases and walked three times (compared to six strikeouts).
Honorable Mention: Blue Rocks first baseman Frank Schwindel went 8-for-24 with two doubles, two runs scored, and three RBIs. Lexington’s Samir Duenez went 6-for-20 with a double and four runs scored.
Minor League Pitcher of the Week: Omaha’s Clayton Mortensen went 2-0 last week and gave the Storm Chasers much needed innings in Sunday’s second game of their DH. Overall, Mortensen allowed one run on eight hits and five walks over 11 innings. He struck out ten.
Honorable Mention: Yender Caramo made two appearances last week for Wilmington (including a start on Sunday). He allowed three runs (two earned) on ten hits and two walks over ten innings. Caramo struck out four.
Drinking the Royals Blue Aid 