Blake Johnson to DL, Cevette activated
Published on April 30, 2009 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release
Thursday the Northwest Arkansas Naturals placed right-hander Blake Johnson on the seven-day disabled list with an aggravated blister on the middle finger of his pitching hand.
Johnson, the 23-year old Baton Rouge, LA resident, is coming off perhaps his best start as a Natural on Tuesday evening against Springfield. He retired the first 16 batters in order en route to a six inning effort that saw him allow just one hit and one run. Overall, in four starts, Johnson is 1-2 with a 4.95 ERA in 20 innings of work in his second season in Northwest Arkansas. Originally selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second round of the 2004 draft, Johnson came to the Royals organization along with former Natural Julio Pimentel in a July 2006 trade for major league reliever Elmer Dessens.
His placement on the disabled list is retroactive to April 29th. He is expected to miss his next start and will be re-evaluated on the Naturals' upcoming road trip.
In a corresponding move, the Naturals activated southpaw reliever Dan Cevette from the seven-day disabled list. Cevette (pronounced "Sah-VEET"), a 25-year old Elkland, PA resident, pitched last season for the Kinston Indians, the Cleveland Indians' affiliate in the Class-A Advanced Carolina League, posting a 3-1 record in 17 games, fanning 31 hitters in 19 innings. His 7.11 ERA was inflated by a June 30th appearance against the Potomac Nationals where he allowed seven runs while recording just two outs.
Shoulder and arm troubles led to two separate stints on the disabled list for Cevette during the course of the 2008 season and he voluntarily retired. However, after a successful January workout in front of scouts and several teams, he inked a contract with the Royals as a six-year minor league free agent. In 96 career minor league games (68 starts), he is 19-19 with a 3.79 ERA. Cevette was originally a third round selection of the Indians in the 2002 draft.
The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. The Naturals have a toll-free ticket hotline (1-877-444-2637) for fans to purchase Naturals tickets. Our website, nwanaturals.com offers fans the opportunity to purchase tickets online and avoid lines at the ticket windows by printing their tickets at home or at the office.
Texas League Stories from April 30, 2009
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- Springfield salvages last game of series - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Cards Avoid Sweep in 6-2 Win - Springfield Cardinals
- Owasso Native Kozma To Join Cards In Tulsa Friday - Tulsa Drillers
- Blake Johnson to DL, Cevette activated - Northwest Arkansas Naturals
- Patchett Leaves For Salt Lake - Arkansas Travelers
- Quick Homestand Kicks off Busy May - Corpus Christi Hooks
- Missions Let One Walk Away - San Antonio Missions
- RHP Rolando Valdez Added to Missions Roster - San Antonio Missions
- Naturals Rally from Eight Down to Beat Cards - Springfield Cardinals
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