Horrible news for Cyclone fans today as the team has placed both Asher Chuang and Angel Zalapa on the 7-day injured list, but both are expected to miss a minimum of 3 weeks, which could end their season.
The team had enough confidence in Asher Chuang this season that they traded Luis Pena to an in-division rival. Chuang responded with a 2.6 WAR thanks to a 23.1 ZR this season in 117 games at shortstop. He signed a 2 year, $5,200,000 extension a few weeks ago and now finds himself out for the next 3–4 weeks, which likely ends his season.
Angel Zalapa was magnificent this season after the team declined his option, and reworked his deal within days to bring him back to the team. He responded at age 38 with a season where he accumulated 4.1 WAR. This strained back likely ends his season as well. With a $10,000,000 team option looming for next season, it could very well end his time in Omaha unless the team pulls a similar move this off-season.
It appears Jose Gonzalez will take over at shortstop. Gonzalez hasn’t impressed at the plate this year in 200 appearances, but has done fine with his glove, with a 3.7 ZR in 32 games started at short. Enrique Hernandez has also been called up to back up Gonzalez, but is a large step-down from the depth the team had last week.
At second base, it appears Pedro Gongora will get the nod, despite Logan Niles playing well in the backup role previously. Gongora was the piece that came from Twin Cities for Luis Pena at the end of April. Gongora had a small call up earlier this season, but spent most of the year in AAA. He looks like the future starting second baseman for the Cyclones at age 21. Niles will back up Gongora with a 111 OPS+ in 90 at bats.
Stan Moten and Grady Eaton were also called up from AAA as reinforcements for depth. Moten had a 2.1 WAR last year, but had to spend this season in AAA after the team acquired Rhys Brickell. Moten is versatile enough to be a utility player. Currently, the club said that he will likely play every other day, swapping with Brickell at 3B.
Eaton likely will be buried back a way in the chart, but could be used as a pinch runner with his speed and base running ability.
According to reports, all other players will be starting as usual, including Du Wu, Orlando Ordonez, Andre Ly, Eric Wagner, and Wilson Estrada.
Omaha loses starting middle infield with Chuang and Zalapa both injured.(2054.11)
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Re: Omaha loses starting middle infield with Chuang and Zalapa both injured.(2054.11)
Tough to have both go down at the same time for sure
GM Jerusalem Hebrew Hammers: Aug 2054 - Present
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