Week record: 3-3
Overall record: 64-36
Summary
The week started with a win, but the offense really struggled to get things going through the first four games, only amassing eight runs total. They more than doubled that amount over the series’ final two games, notching nine runs in each contest. The offense finished the week with a .260 batting average, good for 10th in the International League. CJ Alexander continues to swing a hot bat, compiling seven extra-base hits on the week, while Tyler Gentry raised his batting average in July to a sweltering .426 in 68 at-bats. The pitching stepped up last week in a big way, finishing 4th in the league with a 3.35 ERA. Daniel Lynch IV continues to be the most consistent starting pitcher on the team, pitching a 7.2-inning gem in Saturday’s win.
Roster moves galore!
There were plenty of roster moves last week worth taking a deeper look at. A little over a week ago, Rodolfo Durán was assigned to Omaha once again and had a great week at the plate, going 5 for 13 with two doubles. Andrew Hoffmann was sent down to Northwest Arkansas to fill in for one start and is back up with the Storm Chasers. Dinelson Lamet was signed by the Royals on 7/18 and assigned to Omaha the next day. He made his first appearance in a spot-start on Sunday and had a line of 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 5 K. The 32-year-old reliever has a career 4.63 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in 367.2 IP at the major league level.
Last week in my recap, I mentioned Noah Cameron as a pitcher who could bolster the Omaha starting rotation. The higher-ups must’ve thought so too as they promoted Cameron from NW Arkansas to Omaha on Sunday. He is set to make his first start for the squad this week after posting a 3.63 ERA and 1.36 WHIP in 74.1 IP in NW Arkansas. Drew Waters returned to Omaha after a short stint in Kansas City to fill in for an injured MJ Melendez. Third-basemen Kevin Padlo was transferred to the Development List after receiving limited playing time in Omaha. Will Klein was recalled by Kansas City to replace an injured John Schreiber and will be joining them on their road trip this week. Klein has had a solid season for the Storm Chasers, holding a 3.58 ERA and 1.38 WHIP in 37.2 IP.
Lastly, I’m sad to say that Walter Pennington was traded to the Texas Rangers on 7/29 for RHP Michael Lorenzen. Pennington tallied 59.2 IP in Omaha this year with an impressive 2.26 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, and .182 OBA. I truly enjoyed getting to write about Pennington’s impressive season and was hopeful he would contribute to the Royals at some point this season. I wish him nothing but the best as he continues his career in Texas. Thank you for your contributions to the Royals’ organization and Omaha’s success this season, Walter!
Hitter of the Week
CJ Alexander – 9 for 22, 5 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 4 BB, 5 K
Season Stats: .318/.366/.574, .940 OPS
Runner-up: Tyler Gentry – 11 for 23, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 3 BB, 7 K
Pitcher of the Week
Daniel Lynch IV – 7.2 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
Season Stats: 3.59 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, .255 OBA, 2.85 K/BB
Runner-up: Noah Murdock – 4.1 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 6 K
Next up
July 30th – Aug. 4th @ Rochester Red Wings
Image credit: Omaha Storm Chasers
