TL1 Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Whit Merrifield Joins Triple-A Omaha

Published on June 9, 2014 under Texas League (TL1)
Northwest Arkansas Naturals News Release


SPRINGDALE, Ark. - The Kansas City Royals announced the promotion of utility player Whit Merrifield to the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers on Friday, June 6. In a corresponding move, Jared Schlehuber has been activated from the seven-day disabled list on Saturday, June 7, bringing the Northwest Arkansas roster size back to 25 players, after being placed onto it on June 1 with a right thigh contusion.

Merrifield began the 2014 campaign with Northwest Arkansas marking his third year with the club. His promotion to Omaha is his first career appearance on a Triple-A roster and he made his Triple-A debut with the Storm Chasers on June 7, collecting a triple and two (2) RBI. In 44 games for the Naturals this year, the 25-year-old from North Carolina, ranked first on the club in doubles (13) and third in average (.278). He also had one (1) triple, five (5) homers and 20 RBI.

Schlehuber has played in 43 games for the Naturals this season, primarily as a first and third baseman. The Colorado native is in his third year of professional baseball and first with Northwest Arkansas, reaching the Double-A level for the first time in his career in 2014. The 25-year-old has two (12) homers during this season and 12 RBI.

Northwest Arkansas is in the midst of a nine-game road trip against the in-state rival Arkansas Travelers and Springfield Cardinals. The Naturals will play a doubleheader tonight in North Little Rock after game two of last night's twin bill was postponed due to wet grounds. The first game will start at 5:10 p.m. and neither team has announced a starting pitcher for either game. The Naturals return to Arvest ballpark to begin an eight-game homestand against the Arkansas Travelers and Tulsa Drillers beginning Sunday, June 15 at 6:05 p.m.

You can catch all live play-by-play action with the Voice of the Naturals Benjamin Kelly on your home for the Naturals 92.1 the Ticket at 4:55p.m. Indigo Sky Casino Pregame Show leading up to first pitch.

The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League Affiliate of the Kansas City Royals. The Naturals play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark in Springdale, Ark. For more information including statistics, ticket options, and more, please visit NWANaturals.com, and follow us on Twitter @NWANaturals and Facebook.com/Naturals.

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Texas League Stories from June 9, 2014


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