Naturals Make Number Of Changes To Roster

Tuesday, August 19, 2014

Northwest Arkansas fans who plan to attend some of the four-game series against Springfield may want to get a scorecard when they arrive at Arvest Ballpark.

The Naturals have made a number of roster changes since the last time they played at Arvest Ballpark. Pitchers Sam Selman and Christian Binford have received promotions to Triple-A Omaha, while outfielder Edinson Rincon has been placed on the seven-day disabled list.

At A Glance

Northwest Arkansas Naturals Homestand

At Arvest Ballpark, Springdale

On The Air: KQSM-FM 92.1

Series Schedule

Today: vs. Springfield, 7:05 p.m.

Wednesday: vs. Springfield, 7:05 p.m.

Thursday: vs. Springfield, 7:05 p.m.

Friday: vs. Springfield, 7:35 p.m.

This Week’s Promotions

Today: Arvest Two for Tuesday — Fans who bring Arvest Bank cards or statements will be able to buy one ticket and get another free for premium or reserved seats.

Wednesday: If the Naturals win, all tickets from that day will be good for a free reserved seat to the Naturals final game of the season, which will be on Labor Day. Fans can also use ticket stubs from the Aug. 6 game to receive a free reserved ticket for this game.

Thursday: Feed Your Wild Side T-Shirt Giveaway, where the first 1,500 fans will receive a T-shirt courtesy of Jack Links Beef Jerky. It will also be Thirsty Thursday and Buck Night, where fans can buy small soft drinks and a number of items in the concession stands for $1.

Friday: Faith & Family Night, with a pregame concert by Chris August at 6 p.m. Gates will open at 5:30 p.m., and there will be the Friday postgame fireworks display.

Ticket Packages

• Super Premium A: $12

• Premium: $10

• Reserved: $8

• Grass Berm: $7

• Super Premium Family: $12

• Premium Family: $10

Online

www.nwanaturals.com

Brian Fletcher, who played for the Naturals during the 2012 and 2013 seasons, returned to the team Thursday after a brief rehab assignment at Class-A Advanced Wilmington. Pitcher Sugar Ray Marimon, who made one start at Northwest Arkansas before a promotion to Omaha, returned to the team after being activated from the disabled list and made the start in Sunday's game against Corpus Christi.

The newcomer to the team is pitcher Aroni Nina, who was promoted from Wilmington on Wednesday. Nina, a 6-foot-4 right-handed reliever, began the season at Class A Lexington and made 28 appearances with the Legends, then he appeared in 23 games at Wilmington before coming to Northwest Arkansas, where he has not allowed a hit or a run in his two appearances with the Naturals.

The series, which starts tonight, is a battle for second place in the North Division standings as both teams try to stay within reach of division leader Arkansas. The Naturals (26-29) trail the first-place Travelers by six games with 15 remaining in the regular season, but they are one game ahead of the Cardinals.

Right-hander Tim Melville (1-0, 5.09 ERA) draws the starting nod on the mound in the series opener for the Naturals, and he will be opposed by Springfield right-hander Kurt Heyer (4-10, 4.50). Benton native Andy Ferguson (11-9, 2.96) will start Wednesday's game for Northwest Arkansas, followed by Matt Murray (1-5, 4.17) on Thursday and J.C. Sulbaran (8-8, 3.01) on Friday.

Sports on 08/19/2014