KC Royals: Projecting 2016 Opening Day Roster

Rounding Out The Rotation

The KC Royals have three of the five rotation spots locked up. Unless something terrible happens, knock wood, then it should be Yordano Ventura, Edinson Volquez, and Ian Kennedy in the first three spots.

Kennedy got hit hard yesterday, but there is good news folks. According to the Fox Sports broadcast yesterday during the game, Dave Eiland has identified what he believes to be the reason for the home runs.

According to the Fox Sports broadcast yesterday during the game, Dave Eiland has identified what he believes to be the reason for the home runs.

The Royals have some options when it comes to filling out the final two spots in the rotation. Kyle Zimmer and Miguel Almonte were both sent down so that would seem to eliminate them from the equation.

Kris Medlen, Chris Young, Dillon Gee, and Danny Duffy are the other likely candidates for the job. So far though, the results have been mixed to say the least.

Medlen has made two starts so far and they went in different directions. His first outing saw him perfect through the first two innings with three strikeouts. His next outing was a little rougher. He gave up six hits and a walk through three innings of work and gave up three earned runs.

Chris Young has been roughed up in both of his starts so far. He’s given up five runs through four innings so far. Those came on nine hits and two walks. Two of those hits were home runs and his opponents batting average stands at .474.

Dillon Gee and Danny Duffy have yet to make a start for the Royals this Spring but both have made impressions. The problem is only one has made a good impression.

Dillon Gee was added to the 40-man roster today and it appears likely he’ll make the roster in some capacity. In his five innings of work he has a 1.80 ERA with five hits allowed and only one run. He could make a run at the team’s fifth spot in the rotation or be a swing-man out of the bullpen.

Duffy has been downright awful in his six innings of work. He currently sports an ERA of 9.00 with 9 hits, two home runs, 3 walks, and two hit batters. He needs to have a very strong finish to spring training if he hopes to make the rotation.

Next: Double The Trouble