Thursday night it'll be a homecoming for former Razorback Brett Eibner, back in Northwest Arkansas with the Naturals. But while everybody in the state will be looking at his performance, he'll just be looking to getting a win for his new team. That's all he says he wants out of this season.
"I'm going to go out there and have a job to do," said Eibner. "No matter where I'm playing I have to be out there for my teammates and help them do a job.
Things haven't gone Eibner’s way since he left Arkansas in 2010. He was a second round draft pick but an injury to his hand and his shoulder kept him in Single A for two years.
"I'm not going to lie I thought I'd be here sooner," said Eibner. "Injuries haven't helped that and my performance in the process the Royals have for me, the path that they want."
He's playing the waiting game, being patient. Perhaps playing here is exactly what he needs to kick start his career.
"I think it's the ability to come back here," said manager Brian Poldberg. "He's had success in this area. He had success at Arkansas so I think it's going to make him relaxed a little bit."
That is a huge factor in moving up to the Major Leagues. That's his ultimate goal, but whatever happens, Eibner is going to make sure he has fun this summer.
"I'm just glad to still be playing this game and if I had a career ending injury I wouldn't be able to play again," said Eibner. "So I'm just grateful for the path that I've been on and able to keep playing and I can play at this high level."