Bubba Starling, the No. 5 pick in the 2011 draft, has received a promotion to the Royals’ Class AA affiliate, the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. The club informed Starling late on Wednesday evening. He is currently driving from Class A Wilmington to meet his new club in Tulsa, Okla. The team expects him to arrive by Friday, but he is unlikely to play until Sunday or Monday.
An injury to Class AAA outfielder Brett Eibner prompted Starling’s promotion, but assistant general manager J.J. Picollo told The Star on Thursday morning that Starling was likely due for a new assignment in the coming days.