Storm Chasers Roster Moves: June 1

The Kansas City Royals announced a series of transactions on Thursday that affects their Triple-A affiliate Omaha Storm Chasers roster prior to this evening's series-opening matchup against the Memphis Redbirds at AutoZone Park.

Infielder Hunter Dozier has been reinstated from his Major League Rehab Assignment by the Royals and optioned to Omaha. Combined between High-A Wilmington and Omaha during his Rehab Assignment, the infielder hit .313 (5-16) with two runs, two doubles and two RBI, in addition to drawing two walks.<o:p>
Dozier earned 2016 Omaha Player of the Year honors from Kansas City after batting .294 (115-391) along with 65 runs, 36 doubles, one triple, 15 homers and 54 RBI in 103 games. The 36 two-baggers ranked second in the Pacific Coast League and tied for the third-best single-season total in Omaha franchise history. Dozier was selected by the Royals as the eighth overall pick of the 2013 MLB Draft out of Stephen F. Austin University.<o:p>
Kansas City also announced they have recalled outfielder Paulo Orlando from Omaha and placed him on the 60-Day Disabled List. In 16 contests with the Storm Chasers, Orlando hit .254 (16-63) with four runs, five doubles, one homer and 12 RBI.<o:p>
In addition, catcher Cam Gallagher has been placed on the Disabled List retroactive to May 30. The backstop owns a .261 clip (29-111) in 34 tilts with Omaha this year, adding 12 runs, six doubles, one homer and ten RBI, in addition to 13 walks and a .336 on-base percentage. He has thrown out ten would-be basestealers over 29 attempts, in addition to boasting a .997 fielding percentage.<o:p>
The Royals also announced that right-hander Bobby Parnell has been released from his contract. Over 15 outings with Omaha this year, the 32-year-old accumulated a 3-2 record and 4.71 ERA (11 ER/21.0 IP) with one save in as many opportunities, adding 17 strikeouts.<o:p>
As a result of these roster moves, the Storm Chasers' active roster stands at 24, in addition to four on the Disabled List, as well as left-handers Brian Flynn and Scott Alexander on Major League Rehab Assignments.
Omaha begins their four-game road set in Memphis this evening, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 p.m. CT. The Storm Chasers are anticipated to give the nod to RHP Jake Junis (1-2, 2.48), while the Redbirds are expected to counter with RHP Josh Zeid (2-1, 6.80).<o:p>
The Storm Chasers then return to Werner Park to start a seven-game homestand on Monday, June 5, beginning with a four-game series versus the Nashville Sounds. First pitch of the series opener is set for 7:05 p.m. at Werner Park.<o:p>
Tickets are still available for that night and all remaining Storm Chasers contests, and may be purchased at www.omahastormchasers.com/tickets, as well as by calling the Werner Park Ticket Office at (402) 738-5100. To view Ticket Office hours, please click here.<o:p>