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KC Royals Fantasy Heroes: Eric Hosmer Shows Patience

By John Viril

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The KC Royals suffered a shut out Wednesday night against the Twins, losing 3-0. Despite the loss, Kansas City Royals fans can take solace in first baseman Eric Hosmer‘s improved patience at the plate.

The KC Royals squandered multiple scoring opportunities, including a bases-loaded opportunity in the 5th and Eric Hosmer’s triple in the 8th inning.

Even though nine Kansas City Royals reached base, they could not manage to score a run. Wednesday was the second shut out for the KC Royals offense in the 2015 season—and the second in the last five days.

Could the KC offense be cooling off?

ERIC HOSMER

The 25-year-old KC Royals first baseman continues to show improved patience at the plate in 2015. Eric Hosmer already has 10 walks this season, including one on Wednesday night.

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Hosmer has never had more than 56 walks in a season (2012), and his current walk rate of 14.9% is significantly higher than his career 7.7% rate.

Analysts have been waiting for a breakout from Eric Hosmer since his second season, and have been mostly disappointed. Hosmer has been more of a solid major league hitter rather than dominant.

Yet, Eric Hosmer’s improved patience at the plate might bode well for the possibility of a breakout this year. Hosmer’s current slash line of .315/.424/.426 is more than adequate even for a first baseman. If he continues to rack up walks, he will force pitchers to throw strikes.

Extra-base hits might follow, including a triple on Wednesday night.

If you have Hosmer on your fantasy roster, don’t give up on him yet. He still could provide significant value at a bargain price.

AT THE PLATE

The Kansas City Royals suffered their second shutout in five days. Overall, the Royals managed 6 hits, 2 walks, and one hit-by-pitch (Alex Gordon) on Wednesday.

The only extra-base hit was Eric Hosmer’s 8th inning triple.

Alcides Escobar was the only KC Royal batter with more than one hit, going 2 for 4 with 2 singles.

Eric Hosmer finished 1 for 3 with 1 triple, and 1 walk.

Note that Alex Gordon also stroked a single to go 1 for 3. Gordon is swinging the bat much better than earlier this season. Fantasy owners should return him to their lineup.

ON THE MOUND

Jeremy Guthrie struggled once again on Wednesday. He lasted 5.0 innings, allowing 6 hits, 6 walks, and 3 earned runs with 3 strikeouts. Guthrie’s showed poor command all night and took the loss (1-1).

Yohan Pino entered in the 6th and lasted 3.0 innings, allowing 3 hits and notching 4 strikeouts.

Franklin Morales finished off the ninth, allowing 1 hit and striking out 1.

UP NEXT

The KC Royals hit the road to play a four-game series in Chicago against the White Sox. Yordano Ventura (2-1, 4.80 ERA) will pitch for the Kansas City Royals. The White Sox will counter with ace Chris Sale (2-0, 2.25 ERA). Game time is April 23, 7:10 PM CST at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago.

Next: Brett Lawrie Whines About KC Royals Fans

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