Mitch Maier, Blake Wood are teammates again — at Class AA Northwest Arkansas
There’s a Royals reunion at Class AA Northwest Arkansas.
The Naturals roster includes outfielder Mitch Maier, who played for the Royals from 2008-12. His teammate in 2009-10 was right-hander Blake Wood. Both are with Northwest Arkansas. Maier was in the Red Sox organization last year, but missed a significant chunk of time with a back injury.
He signed a minor-league contract with the Royals on May 1.
“I got to spring training and was unable to play, and therefore opted to have surgery,” Maier told Springfield TV station KFSM. “So, I had a microdiscectomy and been rehabbing since.”
Wood was selected off waivers by the Indians after the 2012 season and pitched part of last year in Cleveland. In May, the Indians designated Wood for assignment and the Royals signed him to a minor-league deal in June.
In five games at Class A-Advanced Wilmington, Wood had an 0.93 ERA and he has a 4.50 ERA in two games with the Naturals.
Maier is batting .375 in three games at Northwest Arkansas.
The Star’s Top 15 Prospect List
1. Kyle Zimmer, P, Rehab assignment
Should ramp up in the Arizona Fall League
2. Raul Mondesi, SS, Class A-Adv. Wilmington
Has reached base in 10 of his last 11 games
3. Hunter Dozier, 3B, Class AA Northwest Arkansas
In a mini-slump with no hits in last 13 at-bats
4. Jorge Bonifacio, OF, Northwest Arkansas
Third on the Naturals in total bases (123)
5. Sean Manaea, LHP, Wilmington
Has a 2.55 ERA in his last four starts
6. Christian Binford, RHP, Class AA Northwest Arkansas
Has 17 strikeouts and three walks in four starts with Naturals.
7. Brandon Finnegan, LHP, Wilmington
Allowed one hit in seven shutout innings heading into Saturday
8. Miguel Almonte, RHP, Wilmington
Allowed one hit in 3 2/3 innings out of bullpen on Friday
9. Jason Adam, RHP, Class AAA Omaha
Got his first victory Friday with Storm Chasers with two shutout innings
10. Bubba Starling, OF, Wilmington
Batting .307/.373/.813 in 75 July at-bats
11. Orlando Calixte, 3B, Northwest Arkansas
Hitting .271 with seven homers at home; .192 with one homer on road
12. Cheslor Cuthbert, INF, Northwest Arkansas
Has a seven-game hit streak (.440, three doubles, a triple)
13. Ramon Torres, 2B, Wilmington
Batting .118 with runners in scoring position with Blue Rocks
14. Whit Merrifield, IF/OF, Omaha
Has a hit in 22 of his last 23 games, batting .362 overall
15. Lane Adams, OF, Northwest Arkansas
Hit .322 in 29 games before going on the disabled list
This story was originally published July 26, 2014 at 6:12 PM with the headline "Mitch Maier, Blake Wood are teammates again — at Class AA Northwest Arkansas."