KC Royals: Five Most Surprising Players So Far This Season

Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (13) talks to starting pitcher Ian Kennedy (31) - Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (13) talks to starting pitcher Ian Kennedy (31) - Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Danny Duffy (41) – Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Danny Duffy (41) – Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

The Kansas City Royals have seemed to have found their stride as of lately, winning five of their last six games. These five guys have all played a part in the Royals’ winning ways recently.

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Some other names I considered for this list were Cheslor Cuthbert and Eric Hosmer. I refrained, however, as Cuthbert was sent down to the minors due to Mike Moustakas returning, and Hosmer is expected to be one of the leaders on this team.

Orlando, however, is 30 years old and just got his first shot at being in the big leagues last season. He was known for hitting triples and his blazingly fast speed, but Orlando as a starter full-time doesn’t seem like such a crazy idea now.

The rest of the guys listed on here are pitchers, and they have all contributed to the Royals’ success recently. Ian Kennedy has been the most reliable in the rotation (him and Edinson Volquez would be a perfect one/two in a playoff rotation), Danny Duffy and Dillon Gee have stepped up when they’ve been asked to in the rotation, and Luke Hochevar is putting out fires wherever he goes.

Next: Royals All-Time Leaders in Wins

While it’s still early into the season, these five guys have been impressive for the team so far. Let’s just hope they can keep up the good work and help keep the Kansas City Royals in contention for their third straight playoff appearance.