The Royals have more than one option to be called up to the Bigs. Check out Marcus’ thoughts on who could be next.

But even if his BABIP drops, which it probably will at some point, his increased plate discipline allows him to remain offensively valuable. If his BABIP falls, and consequently his average and on-base drop 20 points, he’ll still be getting on base at a .370 clip, which is great for someone with a utility profile.

Because offense really isn’t Mejia’s calling card. It’s defensive versatility. In 47 games this season, he’s played four different positions—second base, third base, shortstop, and center field—in roughly equal measure. It seems reasonable that he could play left or right field if needed, as well. His athleticism makes him a true utility option, which the Royals typically love.

We are just under four days until the MLB draft and most draft boards have the Royals taking high school SS Bobby Witt Jr. from Colleyville Heritage HS. Seems like it is only a matter of time until he hears his name called at number two. Witt Jr., the son of former hard-throwing righty Bobby Witt, was just named the Gatorade National Baseball Player of the Year. Continue to check back to http://Royalsfarmreport.com to stay updated on the all things Royals draft leading to Monday night.

For now here is what took place Thursday in the system. Shield your eyes if you are squeamish.

Omaha

The Chasers were the lone bright spot Thursday evening down on the farm. A much needed long and surprisingly long outing from Scott Blewett set the tone early. Blewett had less than 50 innings for the entire season coming into tonight and put in 5 .2 innings of work enough to take Game 1 of the series at San Antonio 3-2

Cheslor Cuthbert- 2-3, Double, RBI, R, BB
Jorge Bonifacio- 2-4
Bubba Starling- 1-3, RBI, Double, BB
Nick Dini, 2-4

Scott Blewett- 5.2 IP, 2 ER, 5 H, 5 K, 2 BB, 1 HR
Gabe Speier- 1.1 IP, 1 H, 3 K, 1 BB

Northwest Arkansas

A chance to gain some ground on league leading Arkansas went by the wayside Thursday for the Naturals as they dropped both game of a home double dip. Offensively there were bright spots for NWA including a nice hitting effort form Gabe Cancel in game 1, but in the end they just couldn’t get over the hump against their in-state foe losing game 1 7-4 and game 2 10-7.

Box Score Game 1 :

Gabe Cancel- 2-3, HR (9), 2 RBI (40)
Anderson Miller- 1-3, RBI

Ofreidy Gomez- 4.2 IP, 4 ER, 6 H, 4 Ks, 3 BB
Andres Sotillet- 1.1 IP, 0 ER, 0 H
Drew Storen (L, 0-1)-.2 IP, 2 ER (3R), 3 BB

Box Score Game 2 :

Emmanuel Rivera- 2-3, HR, 1 RBI, 2R
Gabe Cancel- 1-3, 2 RBI
Angelo Castellano- 1-2, 1 RBI, 1 R, 1 BB

Conner Greene- 3.2 IP- 6 ER (8 R), 9 H, 5 K, 1 BB, 2 HR
Franco Terrero- 1 IP, 0 ER, 2 H

Wilmington

All around not a great night for Wilmington on the road at Fayetteville Thursday. Two Fayetteville pitcher combined for a 2 hitter including 15 strikeouts. The loan bright spot came by way of a 4th Inning 2-run big fly by DH Dennicher Carrasco as Wilmington fell 5-2. Willmington remains 5.5 games up in the Carolina league.

Dennicher Carrasco- 1-3, HR, 2 RBI
Nick Pratto- 1-3, R

Marcelo Martinez- 5 IP, 4 ER, 5 K, 2 HR
Josh Mitchell- 3 IP, 1 ER, 3K

Lexington

The fate was the same as the rest of the organization Thursday in Lexington. Lexington hosted Charleston and fell behind early after a second inning Grand Slam by Charlston and were never able to recover despite decent bats. Charlie Neuweiler struggled with his stuff early and often. The Legends dropped Game 1 of the series at home 7-3.

Michael Gigliotti- 2-4, R
Nathan Eaton- 1-4, RBI
Chase Vallot- 1-3, RBI, BB
Rubendy Jaquez- 1-2, R, 2 BB
Jackson Lueck- 1-4, RBI

Charlie Neuweiler- 4.2 IP, 6 ER (7 R), 8 H, 7 K, 3 BB, 2 HR
C.J. Eldred- 2.1 IP, 1 H, 3 K
Brandon Marklund- 2.0 IP, 0 H, 3 K

Don’t forget to check out the pre-draft podcast tomorrow afternoon with 247Sports’ Jeff Ellis:

 

Photo Credits: Doc Riddle (@TheGrandOldGame)
Photo Edit: http://periodicovision.com/gabriel-cancel-con-calibre-de-grandes-ligas/