KC Royals: Ranking the Starting Pitchers
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Jeremy Guthrie (11) – Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Had it not been for one historically bad start, Jeremy Guthrie could probably be up one more start on this list. That one bad spot though will sadly be what a lot of people remember Guthrie for though.
In fact, that game was so bad that it still continues to haunt Guthrie’s ERA, as he currently has a 5.79 ERA in 12 starts (4-4 overall record). For those of you that forgot, Guthrie gave up eight runs in the first inning against the Yankees on Memorial Day. He returned to the mound in the second inning (presumable to help rest the bullpen as much as possible) and allowed three more runs.
For those not keeping track, it was 11-0 in less than two innings. Guthrie was pulled after he surrended the 11th run and the bullpen went right to work. That day saw Guthrie giving up nine hits and 11 runs. He only struck out one batter, and allowed four home runs. A start he’d like to forget for sure.
Jeremy Guthrie has looked so much better since that historically bad start and when he’s on, he’s fantastic.
Since that dreadful Memorial Day start, Jeremy Guthrie has actually been a pretty reliable pitcher in the rotation and has (for the most part) righted the ship. The most impressive performances I’ve seen from Guthrie so far were in Detroit against the Tigers and against the Rangers at Kauffman Stadium.
The Detroit game saw Guthrie lasting 7.1 innings and only giving up two runs. In the game against Texas, Guthrie went out and straight up dealt. He pitched 6.1 innings and was pulled after he let two guys on base. The crappy part about that game was that Guthrie didn’t get the win despite going out and dominating against a hot Rangers team.
Jeremy Guthrie has looked so much better since that historically bad start and when he’s on, he’s fantastic. Guthrie has lasted five plus innings in all but that one start against the Yankees so he’s been able to log several quality starts. If it weren’t for that one bad game, Guthrie would likely be third on this list, but alas…
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