Six Kansas City Royals Are Candidates For The 2014 All-Star Game

Kansas City Royals pitcher Wade Davis (17) Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

5)  WADE DAVIS – MIDDLE RELIEVER

Who would have thought after the 2013 season that Wade Davis would be on this list? Certainly not me. Davis has become absolutely dominating since he returned to the bullpen to start this season.

Davis has compiled an ERA of 1.26, a WHIP of .869. The most impressive stat Davis has put up is 14.1 Strikeouts Per 9 Innings, an incredible mark. He also hasn’t allowed a home run yet in 35.2 innings through June. He has only allowed 2 runs since April 4th after he gave 3 in the first week of the season.

Davis also had 22 appearances in a row with at least one strikeout. In only 5 of his 33 games, has he not struck out a batter.

From April 26th through June 23rd, Davis made 20 appearances without allowing a run. In those 22.1 innings, he struck out 36 and walked just 7. Davis also had 22 appearances in a row with at least one strikeout. In only 5 of his 33 games, has he not struck out a batter.

How does Davis stack in Wins Above Replacement? Very well, thank you. Davis has WAR of 1.4 so far this season, 4th among all American League relievers, including closers. That number is even better than that of his teammate, Greg Holland.

The problem for Davis is that it is very doubtful he will be selected over Holland, the team closer, and there is little chance two relievers would be chosen from the same team.

Wade Davis may close at some point in his career, but until that time comes, it will be very difficult to make an All-Star team as a middle reliever.