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The Royals’ rookie short-season clubs in Idaho Falls and Burlington, North Carolina have both set their rosters following the June draft. Justin Gemoll returns to manage Idaho Falls for a third year, assisted on his coaching staff by hitting coach Damon Hollins, bench coach Ramon Castro, and former Royals pitcher Jeff Suppan. The Burlington Royals will be managed by Omar Martinez with former Royals hitting coach Andre David on his staff as well as pitching coach Carlos Martinez and bench coach Brooks Conrad.
The Idaho Falls Chukars, who play in the Pioneer League, typically have college graduates or more experienced professional baseball players who aren’t quite ready for A ball. Ricky Aracena, who received a $850,000 bonus from the Royals out of the Dominican, will play shortstop. Outfielder Amalani Fukofuka, a fifth round pick from the 2013 draft, will be featured in the outfield after beginning the year at Lexington. Six draftees from the 2016 Royals draft class are on the roster - infielders Logan Gray and Robby Rinn, outfielder Vance Vizcaino, and pitchers Jeremy Gwin, Cody Nesbit, and David McKay.
Your updated 2017 Opening Day roster! Exhibition vs. @Ifbandits is tonight at 7:15 pic.twitter.com/9ktXt7Wn1E
— Idaho Falls Chukars (@ifchukars) June 17, 2017
The Burlington Royals of the Appalachian League will features 2017 draftees like pitchers J.C. Cloney, Collin Snider, Tyler Zuber, catcher Nick Hutchins, infielder Julio Gonzalez, and outfielders Michael Gugliotti and Reed Rohlman. The club will also feature top prospect Seuly Matias and 2016 sixth-round pick Cal Jones in the outfield. Catcher Sebastian Rivero and infielder Jeison Guzman are other names to watch. 2016 draft picks like pitchers Mike Messier, Tyler Falwell, and Lee's Summit native Nathan Webb will fill out the roster.
.@BRoyalsKC release Opening Day Roster....Royals begin 2017 at home Thursday vs. Kingsport.....@WFMY #wfmysports pic.twitter.com/0zV4JvP2AC
— Brian Hall (@bhallwfmy) June 20, 2017
2017 first-round pick Nick Pratto will head to Arizona to play for the Royals' summer league team there. Idaho Falls won their season opener last night against Grand Junction 8-7. Burlington opens play on Thursday.