KC Royals: Pair of prospects on US Olympic qualifying roster

The KC Royals continue to have prospects that make impressive moves. Now, two of them will get an opportunity to be a part of the US Olympic qualifying team.

On Sunday, the team roster for the US Olympic team was announced for the Summer Olympics in Tokyo. The roster is for the training camp that includes 28 players but will eventually be reduced to 26 before the qualification starts.

There are some interesting names on the roster, including former Royals Homer Bailey and Jon Jay. The more important note, though, is the two Kansas City prospects have made the roster; Jonathan Bowlan and Drew Parrish.

Both will get a chance to make the team and represent the Royals on the US team.

Bowlan is likely no surprise to anyone

Jonathan Bowlan is a name that has become known among KC Royals fans. Whether it was his minor league no-hitter in 2019 or the fact that he is the Royal’s number eight prospect according to MLB, he deserves the recognition.

Bowlan was drafted by the Royals in the 2nd round of the 2018 draft out of the University of Memphis and he has been working his way through the minor leagues since.

He saw success through each level using his great command and plus fastball/slider combo, reaching Single-A in 2019 before the loss of the 2020 minor league season.

In 2021, he has started in Double-A. Over four starts, he has pitched 17.0 innings allowing only 3 earned runs, and holds an ERA of 1.59. He has only walked 3 batters and has struck out an impressive 15.

One note for Bowlan; he was removed from his start on Sunday after striking out two batters. Bowlan seemed to have some issues with his wrist and quickly called for a trainer.

No more information has been released at this time, but hopefully, it’s nothing serious and Bowlan will be able to get back to the mound quickly.

Drew Parrish may be a new name for some Royals fans

The second Royal who made the roster is Drew Parrish. Parrish may be a new name for some fans as his career with the Royals so far has been short. He was drafted by Kansas City in the 8th round of the 2019 draft from Florida State University.

Parrish has an advanced changeup that he pairs with a fastball and curveball to throw batters off, though there could still be some questions about whether or not he will end up in a starting or relief role once he makes it to the majors.

Parrish saw success over 25.0 innings in 2019 at rookie ball, holding his ERA at 2.52 and walking only 4 as opposed to 39 strikeouts. In 2021, he is starting to see success again. Over his 15.2 innings, he hasn’t given up a run, has walked 3, and struck out 23. He has seen four games so far this season with only one start.

Parrish is not listed in the Royals’ top 30 prospects, but some experience on the Olympic team could help push him forward in his development and allow him to see his name in the mix of top-quality Royals pitchers.

The Royals continue to see progress and success from many of their their young pitchers, and this opportunity is just another example. Keep an eye out in the coming weeks to see if Kansas City has some representation in the Summer Olympics.

Jonathan Bowlan and Drew Parrish have been included on the US Olympic training roster.