Continuing the flurry of player moves that involve players who have been with or may be with the Naturals, Saturday, the Kansas City Royals released former Naturals reliever Aaron Hartsock. Hartsock, the 27-year old Imperial, CA resident, spent time with the Naturals in both the 2008 season and 2009 seasons, making a combined 29 relief appearances, including a 3-1 mark and 2.82 ERA in the second half of 2009, working as one of the Naturals' best late inning relief options as they earned a spot in the Texas League Championship Series. That season he combined for 19 saves between the Naturals and Advanced Class-A Wilmington. He was due to return to the Naturals to start 2010, but injured his right knee late in spring training and missed the entire 2010 season. Back healthy, Hartsock was back attempting to win a late inning relief role on the Naturals' staff, but was roughed up mightily in his most recent spring outing, allowing three runs in 1 2/3 innings of relief. The Royals' 23rd round selection in the 2006 draft, Hartsock departs the organization with a 29-12 record and a 2.85 ERA and 29 saves in 147 career minor league appearances, all in relief. He now becomes a minor league free agent. The Naturals' 2011 roster is expected to be released Wednesday or Thursday of next week. The Northwest Arkansas Naturals are the Double-A Texas League affiliate of the Kansas City Royals and play at state-of-the-art Arvest Ballpark, located in Springdale. Visit our website, nwanaturals.com, for information on season tickets and ticket plans.
