KC Royals: Five Reasons They Missed Playoffs in 2016

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Danny Duffy (41) walks off the field after being relieved in the fourth inning - Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Danny Duffy (41) walks off the field after being relieved in the fourth inning - Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 15, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Joakim Soria (48) walks off the field after the seventh inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
KC Royals relief pitcher Joakim Soria (48) – Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /

Reasons Royals Missed Playoffs in 2016 – Number 4: Joakim Soria & Ned Yost

People are probably going to yell at me and demand that I put Joakim Soria higher on this list, but he’s one person, guys. When the offense only scores one run in a game, that’s not on Soria.

Yes, Joakim Soria has struggled this season. He has a 4.12 ERA this season in 66 games and has not done all that well in high leverage situations.

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Soria was apart of that bullpen that went on that “no runs allowed” streak earlier in the summer, but since then, he’s been awful. The guy has given up the game winning run 14 times now, and fans are fed up with him.

Soria gets booed at the K any time he’s seen trotting out of the bullpen to the mound, which is unfortunate. I understand he’s been bad, but no one should be booed at their home stadium.

On the other hand, Ned Yost is a reason why the team won’t go to the playoffs either. He continues to put Soria in the game in those high pressure situations and every time, it’s blown up in his face.

Sure, Yost has been in a tough spot due to the lack of bullpen depth this season (not having Luke Hochevar has really hurt the team), but I don’t understand why Soria keeps getting opportunities.

Soria is the one actually out there giving up the runs, but Yost is the one who keeps putting him in those situations. They’re both a large part of why the Royals aren’t returning to the postseason.