Kansas City Royals: Five players to watch vs New York Yankees

May 13, 2017; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals outfielders Jorge Bonifacio (38) and Lorenzo Cain (6) and Jorge Soler (12) celebrate after defeating the Baltimore Orioles at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

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Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Kelvin Herrera (40) delivers a pitch in the ninth inning – Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /

KELVIN HERRERA

With the KC Royals finally heating up, Kelvin Herrera has actually been able to save games for the team. He had three saves over the weekend, but the one on Sunday was too close for comfort as he allowed three hits and let a run score.

Teams will be looking at Herrera as a potential closer for their club if the Royals can’t keep their hot streak going.

Now granted, Herrera had seen action in the previous two games, throwing a total of 25 pitches in both appearances. He was likely pretty tired before entering Sunday’s game, which explains the trouble he got himself into.

Herrera’s stats aren’t the greatest this year, his first as a closer, as he’s posting an ERA of 3.38 in 16 appearances. He’s struck out 13 batters and saved eight games so far in 2017.

Teams will be looking at Herrera as a potential closer for their club if the Royals can’t keep their hot streak going. Last year, the Yankees got a huge haul for Aroldis Chapman and the Royals could likely get a decent group of prospects should they fall out of contention and make Kelvin Herrera available on the trading block.

Obviously the fans are hoping the Royals do indeed climb back into the playoff race, but Herrera is a guy to watch out for nonetheless.

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