Storm Chasers bounce back with strong week, close in on playoff berth

Zac Miller June 17, 2024 in Minor Leagues, Omaha Storm Chasers Tagged Brian O'Keefe, CJ Alexander, Jonathan Bowlan, Noah Murdock - 2 Minutes

Week record: 5-1

Overall record: 47-20

Summary

Outside of a rough first game of the week, Omaha got back on track as they won their next five contests. Over that five-game stretch, Omaha pitchers held a 2.85 ERA. Last week, the offense was 3rd in the International League with a .310 batting average. It was an encouraging sight after a rough stretch for the offense during their four-game losing streak before this current win streak. The Storm Chasers enter the last series of the first half with a chance of securing a playoff spot with just one win. It would be their first playoff appearance in a decade.

The Royals need to make room for CJ Alexander

At some point, the Royals have to make a move for CJ, even if it means letting go of someone they believe will figure things out eventually (*cough cough* Jake Brentz). This is nothing against Brentz, and I truly hope he finds himself again, but he currently has a 14.50 ERA in Double-A in nine appearances and that simply can’t happen at this point in his career. CJ, on the other hand, continues to absolutely rake on a weekly basis. Last week it was to the tune of a .444/.464/.778 line with a 1.242 OPS. That drove his season numbers up to .335/.383/.573 with a .956 OPS. His down weeks are most players’ best weeks at this point. I understand the logjam in front of him in Kansas City on the infield, but I would love the Royals to try him at DH even 2-3 times a week. He has played corner outfield a little more often recently, which could be a sign that the Royals want to give him an opportunity there.

Relievers continue to shine

While the major league squad has struggled out of the bullpen for a good portion of the season, Omaha’s relievers have done the exact opposite. They are currently 2^nd in the International League with 3.62 ERA, are tied for 1^st with a 1.35 WHIP, and easily lead the league with a .207 OBA. While the Royals may try to make moves at the trade deadline to bolster their bullpen, there are plenty of strong contributors in Omaha, some of which have gotten an opportunity in Kansas City this season:

Walter Pennington: 1.94 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, .159 OBA, 4.73 K/BB

Will Klein: 1.71 ERA, 1.03 WHIP, .112 OBA, 1.53 K/BB

Sam Long: 1.31 ERA, 1.06 WHIP, .218 OBA, 4.60 K/BB

Evan Sisk: 2.45 ERA, 1.13 WHIP, 1.85 OBA, 3.00 K/BB

With the additions of Anthony Simonelli and Noah Murdock in the past couple of weeks, this bullpen looks as strong as ever.