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Kansas City Royals: Most disappointing players in first half of 2019

By Leigh Oleszczak

WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 07: Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Jake Diekman (40) hands the ball to manager Ned Yost (3) as he leaves the game in the eighth inning during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Washington Nationals on July 7, 2019, at Nationals Park, in Washington D.C. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 07: Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Jake Diekman (40) hands the ball to manager Ned Yost (3) as he leaves the game in the eighth inning during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Washington Nationals on July 7, 2019, at Nationals Park, in Washington D.C. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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Jakob Junis #65 of the Kansas City Royals (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Jakob Junis #65 of the Kansas City Royals (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /

MOST DISAPPOINTING ROYALS

NUMBER 4 – JAKOB JUNIS

Some might wonder why Jakob Junis, a guy who has yet to post an ERA under four in a single season, is considered a disappointment. Truthfully, I’ve always been a fan of Junis’ and really want him to be a long-term part of this team, maybe as a four or five starter in the rotation.

This season, however, has been rough for Junis.

Through the first half of the season, Junis has thrown 106.1 innings while posting a 5.33 ERA and 1.44 WHIP. He’s struck out 98 batters and walked 38.

Junis is a legitimate innings eater, which is what teams covet, especially from a back-end starter. As is the case with most major league pitchers, Junis is capable of having incredible outings, but he’s also capable of throwing some stinkers too.

He had a respectable outing right before the All-Star break, pitching seven innings of two run ball while striking out six against the Nationals. Both runs he surrendered came via home run.

The 5.33 ERA is an eye sore for sure, but Junis’ ability to eat innings is one that the Royals shouldn’t take for granted. He’s a disappointment this year, yes, but the hope is that he takes these lumps and learns from them.

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