In the beginning of May, a series of promotions shook the Myrtle Beach Pelicans’ roster. OF Jacob Hannemann, OF Billy McKinney, RP Tayler Scott, and RP Starling Peralta were all sent to Tennessee. New closer Jasvir Rakkar came from South Bend and filled in the bullpen. Relievers Zach Cates and Fernando Cruz came down from Tennessee. Outfielder Trey Martin came up from South Bend and fit in well in the outfield with his former teammates from Kane County.
The Pelicans cruised to a first half title with a 41-28 record and qualified for the Carolina League playoffs. When the second half began, injuries in their starting rotation, along with some ill-timed promotions, hit the Pelicans hard.