Yesterday the 2018 Arizona Fall League rosters were announced.  The Arizona Fall League is described as a finishing school for prospects but is also an extended season for players that are close to the big leagues or need more at bats or innings.  Teams also use it to evaluate players they are thinking about putting on their 40-man rosters.

The Royals placed six players and one coach on the Surprise Saguaros roster.  Brian Buchanan will serve as the hitting coach.  Buchanan has served as the Omaha Storm Chasers hitting coach this season for KC.  The Royals placed outfielder Khalil Lee, outfielder Nick Heath, catcher Meibrys Viloria, pitcher Walker Sheller, pitcher Grant Gavin, and pitcher Scott Blewett on the Saguaros roster as well.

Five of the six players are currently with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals.  The exception is catcher Meibrys Viloria who is with the Wilmington Blue Rocks.  Viloria was placed on the 40-man roster last November.

Blewett is finishing his fifth year of MILB service and is eligible for the Rule 5 Draft this December.  The Royals are probably sending him to the AFL to make a decision on whether or not to protect him on their roster.  Blewett had a lot of promise heading into this season but hasn’t performed up to expectations even though he has pitched well lately.

The Arizona Fall League starts play on October 9 and runs through November 17.  There will be some games televised on MLB Network and hopefully we’ll get to see some of these guys play.