Fernando Villarreal, who the Omaha Cyclones drafted with their first round selection in the 2047 draft is finally packing his bags to make the 50 mile drive east from Lincoln, to the big leagues.Villarreal has been the odd man out the past two seasons, likely simply due to this contract control, but after the flurry of Omaha moves at the deadline appears to finally be getting his chance in the Omaha pen.
Villarreal has done very well since being drafted, being plucked right into AAA and staying there the past 3 seasons. Despite his ERA rising a bit this year(3.38 compared to 3.32), his other metrics have highlighted his readiness. He is striking out 13.7 batters per 9 innings, while walking just 2.9 batters per 9 innings, both improvements over the past 2 years as his development and adjustment to big league hitting has continued.
From the sounds of things, Villarreal is expected to fill the setup role that Lucerda had filled prior to being traded to Las Vegas. Big shoes to fill for a first timer, even if that first timer is now 24 years old. Since July 1, Villarreal has pitched 23 2/3 innings, allowing just 2 earned runs, and striking out 41 batters.
