Image credit: NWA Democrat Gazette/Caleb Grieger
Record on The Season: 25-32
The Naturals couldn’t completely stop the skid but allowed their offense to breathe a bit. They went 3-4 on the week, scoring in the double digits in two of their wins. It wasn’t all peaches as they dropped a few close games. This week’s silver lining is that the Naturals could keep themselves in the game when they couldn’t win. Even with the week ending up below .500, this seemed like the kind of week that can begin to turn things around.
Pitcher of the Week
Luinder Avila managed an extra start but only gave up one earned run in his 11.0 innings pitched. He tallied 14 strikeouts, five walks, and seven hits for a total WHIP of 1.06. It wasn’t otherworldly by any means, but he dealt well enough to keep his team in it. His one run came off of a home run, a single mistake over two starts.
Avila has struggled at times this season to keep runners off the basepaths. He still gave a few more free passes than optimal but pitched around the snags. It’s worth noting that he has moved up a level in the past three years and managed to improve his numbers. At 4.15, the 22-year-old is currently posting a career-low ERA. His 1.84 ground out/air out ratio is incredible, which keeps teams from easily benefiting from those pesky free passes. These back-to-back starts could be the start of Avila beginning to figure out who he is as a pitcher.
Hitter of the Week
Rodolfo Durán was otherworldly this week, posting a monstrous .435/.440/.696 over 23 at-bats. He added two home runs and nine RBI to his season totals. The catcher scored four runs of his own, making him responsible for 13 runs on the week. He was a one-man wrecking crew, standing out on the box score above a couple of other great performances.
Durán has been a pleasant surprise this year, with an OPS nearing .900, showing off a great combination of power and contact. He is 26, which hinders his projectability but he bolsters a crop of catchers that have dominated the Royals’ system in 2024. You’d be surprised to see him sitting towards the top of all hitters at the AA level. If you continue to follow him, you may be less so.
Other Notables
Keylan Kilgore threw 3.2 hitless innings over two appearances. He struck out four in the process and walked one.
Josh Lester continues his hot streak with a .976 OPS on the week. He mashed two bombs and a double while walking four times in 22 at-bats.
Javier Vaz tallied a double and a triple while posting a .400 OBP. This helps boost a slugging percentage that needs to develop before a major league debut.
Dillan Shrum turns his slump around with three doubles and a .333 batting average this week.
Luca Tresh joined in on the power surge with two doubles and a home run of his own. Big week for a catcher looking to float to the top amongst a heavy crop.
What’s Next
The Naturals will travel to Springfield to battle the St. Louis Cardinals’ AA squad. For the first time in a few weeks, the Naturals will play the typical six games after having to make up games against the past few opponents. Springfield sits at the top of the Texas League North, meaning the offense will need to continue to produce alongside strong performances from the pitching staff.