Kansas City Royals: Kyle Zimmer turning heads in Spring Training

We’re a week into Spring Training for the Kansas City Royals and one player who is catching our attention so far is Kyle Zimmer. It’s been a long time coming for Zimmer and he’s making a big splash one week in.

Kyle Zimmer has been one of the most frustrating prospects for the Kansas City Royals since being drafted fifth overall in 2012. It’s not that the guy isn’t talented (we’re seeing that now), but Zimmer’s problem was that he could never stay healthy.

In his previous seven seasons, he was injured in almost all of them, including missing all of 2018 due to injury. It’s been a tough road for Zimmer, but it really does appear that he’s rounded the corner and could make it to the major leagues this year.

The Royals are one week into Spring Training and Zimmer is rocking and rolling on the mound. Not only has he yet to slip up, but he’s throwing heat too.

Zimmer’s velocity being that fast is impressive considering all of the injuries he’s sustained over the years. If he can continue to stay healthy for the next three weeks, the Royals could really use him in their bullpen for 2019 and beyond.

As Patrick Brennan notes in the tweet below, Zimmer has been sharp. He’s put in 3.2 innings of work while recording a 0.00 ERA and giving up just two hits. He’s struck out two batters and walked none. This is the Kyle Zimmer the Kansas City Royals were expecting when they took him fifth overall nearly seven years ago.

Obviously if Kyle Zimmer continues to perform this well, he’ll be making the Opening Day roster. From there, the Royals more than likely slot him in the bullpen, as the starting rotation is basically filled. Plus, overworking a guy who has been injury prone isn’t the best idea.

Zimmer has appeared to be a bust and was actually designated for assignment earlier this offseason. With no other suitors, the Royals brought him back and now it looks like he could finally pay dividends to the team that drafted him.

It’s still early in Spring Training of course, but Royals fans haven’t seen much good out of Zimmer throughout his career. If the organization can get anything out of him in the majors, that’d make the pick a lot less embarrassing.

Best case scenario is that Kyle Zimmer continues to rake in Spring Training and makes the Opening Day roster. From there, hopefully he becomes one of the most reliable relievers and a guy the Royals can trust in big situations moving forward.