Springfield, MO – The Kansas City Royals announced several transactions affecting the Northwest Arkansas Naturals Thursday on the heels of an eight-game road trip that begins with four games against the first place Springfield Cardinals. The related details are as follows:
SS Jeff Bianchi is joining the Naturals from Advanced Class-A Wilmington. A 22-year old from Lancaster, PA, Bianchi comes to the Texas League after posting a .301 batting average in 59 games with the Blue Rocks with four homers and 26 runs batted in. Bianchi also was 12-for-14 in stolen bases and had a .363 on-base percentage. A 2nd round pick in the 2005 draft, Bianchi was in his second campaign with Wilmington after batting .255 with 10 homers and 61 RBI last season. In 302 career minor league games, Bianchi owns a .281 batting average with 24 home runs and 159 runs driven in. Bianchi is also highly regarded for his defense; and he led all Carolina League shortstops with a .981 fielding percentage.
To clear a roster spot for Bianchi, infielder Josh Johnson has been transferred to Wilmington. The 23-year old from Tampa, FL was in his first season as a Natural and batted .214 with eight RBI in 103 at-bats. The versatile defender backed up at shortstop, second base, and third base, but appeared in just 36 of the Naturals’ first 64 games and had a tough time getting into a groove at the plate. Johnson was the Royals’ 3rd round selection in the 2004 draft.
The Naturals also placed catcher Jeff Howell on the seven-day disabled list with a thumb fracture. Howell, a 25-year old resident of Satellite Beach, FL, was batting .303 for the Naturals with four homers and 18 RBI.
The Kansas City Royals also announced that pitcher Robinson Tejeda’s rehab assignment was transferred to Triple-A Omaha. Tejeda started two games during the recently completed homestand, allowing two earned runs in 3 2/3 innings. He joins the O-Royals in Albuquerque as they begin a four-game set against the Isotopes. Tejeda is currently on the 15-day Major League disabled list as he recovers from right rotator cuff tendonitis.
SS Jeff Bianchi is joining the Naturals from Advanced Class-A Wilmington. A 22-year old from Lancaster, PA, Bianchi comes to the Texas League after posting a .301 batting average in 59 games with the Blue Rocks with four homers and 26 runs batted in. Bianchi also was 12-for-14 in stolen bases and had a .363 on-base percentage. A 2nd round pick in the 2005 draft, Bianchi was in his second campaign with Wilmington after batting .255 with 10 homers and 61 RBI last season. In 302 career minor league games, Bianchi owns a .281 batting average with 24 home runs and 159 runs driven in. Bianchi is also highly regarded for his defense; and he led all Carolina League shortstops with a .981 fielding percentage.
To clear a roster spot for Bianchi, infielder Josh Johnson has been transferred to Wilmington. The 23-year old from Tampa, FL was in his first season as a Natural and batted .214 with eight RBI in 103 at-bats. The versatile defender backed up at shortstop, second base, and third base, but appeared in just 36 of the Naturals’ first 64 games and had a tough time getting into a groove at the plate. Johnson was the Royals’ 3rd round selection in the 2004 draft.
The Naturals also placed catcher Jeff Howell on the seven-day disabled list with a thumb fracture. Howell, a 25-year old resident of Satellite Beach, FL, was batting .303 for the Naturals with four homers and 18 RBI.
The Kansas City Royals also announced that pitcher Robinson Tejeda’s rehab assignment was transferred to Triple-A Omaha. Tejeda started two games during the recently completed homestand, allowing two earned runs in 3 2/3 innings. He joins the O-Royals in Albuquerque as they begin a four-game set against the Isotopes. Tejeda is currently on the 15-day Major League disabled list as he recovers from right rotator cuff tendonitis.

Are You an Insider Yet?
SZ Insider. A look ahead into the big player feature, the big story, tips, rumors, and special opportunities for collectibles and memorabilia only available for our insiders. Free monthly to your e-mailbox. Click the link to subscribe to this FREE newsletter!