TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Jeremy Jeffress Joins Naturals' Roster

Published on July 19, 2011 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


SPRINGDALE, AR - Tuesday, The Kansas City Royals made two transactions affecting the Northwest Arkansas roster. The related details are as follows:

Right-hander Jeremy Jeffress had his optional assignment transferred to the Naturals from Triple-A Omaha, the Royals' top level affiliate in the Pacific Coast League. Jeffress appeared in 16 games for the Storm Chasers, making three starts. He departs Omaha with a 2-3 record and a 7.13 ERA to go along with three saves in four chances. Jeffress' earned-run average was marred by one outing in particular, when he allowed seven runs - six earned - in a third of an inning against Iowa on Jun. 15. In 24 innings, Jeffress struck out 24 batters and walked 18, allowing five home runs. He is expected to enter the Naturals' starting rotation.

A member of Kansas City's 40-man roster, Jeffress opened the 2011 season in the Royals' bullpen, going 1-1 with a 4.70 ERA in 14 appearances. He worked a total of 15 1/3 innings with Kansas City, striking out 13 while walking 11.

Jeffress, 23, is in his first season in the Kansas City organization. He was acquired by the Royals as part of the Dec. 19, 2010 trade that sent RHP Zack Greinke to the Milwaukee Brewers, a trade that also netted the Royals current Naturals' starter Jake Odorizzi. Prior to the trade, Jeffress was rated by Baseball America Milwaukee's No. 3 prospect entering the 2011 season. A native of South Boston, VA, Jeffress was selected by Milwaukee in the first round of the 2006 draft (No. 16 overall).

In a corresponding move, the Royals transferred right-hander Zach Miner to Triple-A Omaha. Miner, 29, returned to the mound in May less than one year after undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery. Miner made 11 starts with the Naturals, going 1-6 with a 7.16 ERA. Prior to his injury, Miner spent parts of four seasons with the Detroit Tigers, going 25-20 with a 4.24 ERA in 157 American League games.

Jeffress will wear uniform #30. After the roster moves, the Naturals' roster remains at the Texas League limit of 24 active players.

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. Visit our website, nwanaturals.com, for information on season tickets and ticket plans.

Check out the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Statistics

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