KC Royals: Five Most Disappointing Players So Far This Season

Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) talks with home plate umpire Adrian Johnson after striking out - Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Royals left fielder Alex Gordon (4) talks with home plate umpire Adrian Johnson after striking out - Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Medlen (39) sits in the dugout - Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Medlen (39) sits in the dugout – Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

Most Disappointing Royals So Far – Number 2: Kris Medlen

Kris Medlen was acquired before last season began despite having undergone two Tommy John surgeries. He had a 4.01 ERA last season in 15 games and eight starts, but the hope for him heading into this year was that he could become that dominant starter that he was with the Braves years ago.

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Instead, Medlen has been awful.

In six starts and only 24.1 innings, he has amassed a 7.77 ERA, given up 25 runs, two home runs, and walked more batters (20) than he has struck out (18). Not exactly the starter the Royals were wanting in their rotation following their World Series championship season.

Medlen went on the disabled list with an inflamed right-rotator cuff last week. The injury is concerning, as Medlen has had Tommy John surgery twice in his young career and if he requires it again, his career will most certainly be over.

Hopefully, Kris Medlen can come back into the KC Royals’ rotation and deal like he once did with the Atlanta Braves (and at times last season). He has the potential to be a great starting pitcher, but so far, has been a royal dud in Kansas City.

Next: What happened?