If Jonathan Bowlan hadn’t hurt his right elbow and needed Tommy John surgery, there might have been one more.
The good news for the Royals and Bowlan is that his rehabilitation is progressing swimmingly, despite the fact that he was added to the 40-man roster this offseason and was unable to communicate with the team throughout the lockout.
Bowlan, the Royals’ No. 10 prospect, is set to pitch for the first time in around two weeks and is scheduled to return to game action around midseason.
Bowlan, a second-round draft pick out of the University of Memphis in 2018, had a strong start with Double-A Northwest Arkansas last year and appeared to be on his way to the Majors.
Bowlan is an intimidating appearance on the mound, at 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds. It improves the performance of his 95 mph fastball, slider, and changeup. To righties and lefties, he possesses excellent command and pounds the zone.
He has tossed 16 1/3 innings, allowed three runs, and struck out 23 batters entering his fourth start of the season.
He was two outs into his fourth start at Springfield when he felt a pull in his elbow and had to leave the game. He was slated for Tommy John surgery in Kansas City a week later.
Bowlan’s family comprises his mother, Connie, and father, Mark Bowlan, who threw for Memphis and was drafted in the 39th round by the Cardinals in 1989.
Mark was the only pitcher in school history to pitch a perfect game for Memphis, and Jonathan was the second-highest Tigers player drafted when the Royals selected him with the 58th overall choice.
How Much Does Jonathan Bowlan Make?
Jonathan Bowlan makes $697,500 as salary.