TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Lebron Taking His Talents to Omaha

Published on August 7, 2011 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


SPRINGDALE, AR - No "decision" necessary -- the Kansas City Royals announced prior to the Naturals' Sunday night game that Willy Lebron will be taking his talents to Triple-A Omaha, the Royals' top level affiliate in the Pacific Coast League.

The 32-year old right-hander made 23 appearance, including one start for the Naturals this season, posting a 3-1 record and a 3.83 ERA while recording one save. Perhaps somewhat quietly, Lebron has been one of the Naturals' more consistent middle relievers, allowing 43 hits and fanned 50 batters in 49 1/3 innings of work and holding opposing Texas League hitters to a .236 average.

Kansas City signed Lebron as a minor league free agent in October 2010 in advance of just his third season on the U.S. Mainland. He pitched in the Texas Rangers' system with Advanced Class-A Bakersfield in 2005 and was with the Chicago Cubs' rookie-ball club in Mesa, AZ in 2001. He's also pitched professionally in Taiwan (2008), Nicaragua (2007), and in the Dominican Summer League. This will be his first experience at the Triple-A level.

Lebron was also a member of the Dominican National Team in 2010 and is the cousin of former Kansas City Royals' pitcher Odalis Perez. His career minor league numbers include a 17-21 record with 20 saves and a 3.80 ERA in 142 games, including 13 starts.

No corresponding move was announced and thus the Naturals' roster remains at 23, one below the Texas League limit of 24 active players.

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Texas League Stories from August 7, 2011


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