Kansas City Royals Have Options for Fifth Starter in 2017

Matt Strahm

Just over a month ago, Matt Strahm was a nobody to Kansas City Royals fans. Now, however, he’s one of the most reliable guys out of the bullpen, and for good reason.

In 17.2 innings (he’s been limited due to having surgery in the past), Strahm has compiled a 1.02 ERA and has only given up two runs. The kid’s been good, and there’s a chance that the team could decide to use his talents in the rotation rather than in the bullpen.

The thing to watch with Strahm is the fact that he did have Tommy John surgery and missed nearly two full seasons because of it.

We’ve seen this type of approach work out rarely, as it tends to be the other way around, but Strahm could follow in Danny Duffy’s shoes and be that elusive fifth starter.

He’s got good stuff and has shown that high pressure situations don’t bother him too much. Strahm is young, but the fans love him (at least now while he has a good ERA they do) and it’d be cool to see a young, talented guy in the rotation.

The thing to watch with Strahm is the fact that he did have Tommy John surgery and missed nearly two full seasons because of it. He’s been very limited in these past few weeks, which is smart for the Royals. They’re probably not going to make a playoff run this season and it’s best to limit Strahm as much as possible.

This would get mine, and likely many others’, vote when it comes to that fifth starter spot.