KC Royals: Starting Rotation Changes
By Charles Lam
The KC Royals have made some changes to the starting rotation. What does it mean in the long run?
Chris Young and Kris Medlen are headed to the 15-day disabled list (DL). That means other guys have to step up for the KC Royals. Dillon Gee and Danny Duffy will replace Young and Medlen at the back end of the rotation.
Dillon Gee will replace Chris Young this Saturday against the Atlanta Braves. Gee, the former New York Mets starter, dealt with injuries while playing for the Mets. He started only 15 games the last two seasons combined.
Also, Ned says Dillon Gee will start Saturday #Royals
— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) May 10, 2016
The best season for Gee, came three years ago. In 2013, he worked through 32 games, going 12 and 11 with a solid earned run average (ERA) of 3.62.
Gee’s done a marvelous job for the Royals so far this season. In just 20.1 innings of work, he has a good ERA of 2.61 and a WHIP of 1.258.
On Monday, Gee replaced Chris Young against the New York Yankees. He pitched 5.1 innings and allowed one run off of three hits.
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This game alone may have given the starting job to Gee. He also was stretched out as a long reliever, which made the transition to the starting rotation easier for him compared to a one-inning guy.
Gee can’t be any worse than Chris Young. Through 32.1 innings and seven games started, Young’s allowed 24 runs off of 38 hits, skyrocketing his ERA to 6.68. Get well soon, Young.
Danny Duffy gets the nod Sunday vs. the Braves. This season, Duffy’s been a one-inning bullpen guy. He’s been called upon to throw heat from the left side. Through 18 innings, he’s allowed six runs off of 17 hits, while accumulating 21 strike outs.
Duffy will be limited to about 50 pitches according to Royals’ beat reporter, Rustin Dodd:
Duffy will have a pitch count of 50 pitches. Ned said he will look to piggy-back someone.
— Rustin Dodd (@rustindodd) May 12, 2016
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Duffy has experience as a starter. Two seasons ago, Duffy had a 2.53 ERA through 149.1 innings of work. Last season, the ERA rose a bit to 4.08 in 136.2 innings.
Those numbers are far better than what Medlen has this season. Through just 24.1 innings and six games started, Medlen’s allowed 25 runs off of 30 hits, blossoming his ERA to 7.77. No wonder he’s on the DL. Get well soon, Medlen.
Gee and Duffy will have to pitch well in the next month to ensure they keep their jobs. Starting pitcher, Mike Minor, continues his rehab in the minor leagues in hopes of filling in one of those final rotation spots.
Since Gee and Duffy are now in the rotation, other guys will need to fill their roles in the bullpen. Scott Alexander and Peter Moylan will fill the bullpen roles, Rustin Dodd reported.
Royals place Young and Medlen on the DL. LHP Scott Alexander and RHP Peter Moylan coming up.
— Rustin Dodd (@rustindodd) May 12, 2016
Scott Alexander fills in for Duffy as the left-handed relief pitcher. Through 14 innings pitched this year for the Omaha Storm Chasers, he’s allowed six runs (4 earned) off of 13 hits with an ERA of 2.57. Will these numbers translate to the majors? Only time will tell.
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Submarine pitcher Peter Moylan, could be used as a long reliever. Through 12.2 innings at Omaha, the 37-year-old veteran, has a stunning ERA of 0.71. Moylan’s allowed eight hits and 2 runs. He’s got 10 strike outs as well.