Royals starter Brad Keller will make his season debut Thursday against the Cubs, manager Mike Matheny announced (via Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com). The right-hander has been behind schedule because of a positive coronavirus test.
The 25-year-old Keller is about to begin his third season as a member of the Royals, who grabbed him during the December 2017 Rule 5 Draft. While Rule 5 picks rarely turn into productive major leaguers, Keller has proved to be a steal for the Royals. He has totaled 2.0-plus fWAR in each of his two seasons in Kansas City, with which he has amassed 305 2/3 innings of 3.68 ERA/3.98 FIP pitching with 6.42 K/9, 3.53 BB/9 and a 52 percent groundball rate.
Getting Keller back won’t suddenly turn a 3-9 club into a a contender, but it should at least make KC more competitive. The Royals’ rotation hasn’t been particularly productive this year, but Danny Duffy and rookie Brady Singer have performed respectably over a combined six starts.
Pat Mahomes is pumped
Royals need to look at the rest of year as development for 2021, and trade pieces that may have value (especially in bullpen).. What role will Staumont have in the future, as he is controllable long-term.
Royals have glut of toolsy outfielders who are in mid-20s. Who is worthy of a roster spot next year? Fans love Alex, but he should only play 4 times a week. Royals need to find a way to keep Whit on the dirt most days. Lopez is a utility guy at this point. Lopez and Mejia need to compete for utility role next year. Can Heath earn a roster spot next year?
DM should have waited until service time clock was passed, but let’s give Singer a full shot at rotation.. Is Bubic a starter next year?
There was no harm in trying to compete in 2020, but that ship has sailed.
Not every team has to rebuild like the Astros did it. In fact, the trade everyone away, wait for prospects to develop method is probably the slowest way. Finding good players whereever they are and signing them to reasonable deals is the quickest way. It is also more reliable than the prospect wait. The Royals are lucky enough to be doing both.
Meh. The rotations k but the roylty’s penchant for disappearing without a trace make them a veritable Penn and Keller
I am really surprised at how poorly their offense has been performing. Going into the season I actually thought that would be a strength. Shows you what I know!
Getting Dozier back should help out a bit. Whit and Soler are still hitting well. Lopez has been awful but will likely start getting less playing time if he doesn’t turn it around quickly.