Bullpen Fun: Tim Collins, Aaron Crow Are In

The Royals returned Robert Fish to the Angels this afternoon.  Fish, you’ll remember, was a Rule 5 pick by the Yankees from Los Angeles, but the Royals claimed him on waivers.  For the last few games in spring training, Fish and Tim Collins were the only left-handed relievers in Royals camp.

Now it’s just Collins.

While unconfirmed, it’s obvious that Collins has won a spot in the bullpen after 10.1 innings of solid pitching.  Collins put up a 2.61 ERA and had a 12/5 K/BB ratio.  He didn’t surrender a homer.

His inclusion in the bullpen isn’t very surprising.  With Fish’s departure, his 40 man roster spot is open and ripe for Collins to step in.

It also seems as if Aaron Crow has made the opening day roster.

Despite being demoted last July from Double A to High A, Crow came on strong this spring, putting up a 2.19 ERA in 12.1 innings.  He, like Collins, didn’t give up a homer, and had his command in line, too.  He struck out 11 and walked 3.  At 24 and with improved command, he should be ready.  The Royals may use him as a reliever full-time or work towards stretching him out for a spot in the rotation (at some point).

That seems to leave two spots in the bullpen up for grabs.  With Nate Adcock already on the 40 man roster and pitching well enough, he may have the edge.  Kanekoa Texeira, also on the 40 man, has been strong this spring as well and the elbow issues he’d suffered late in 2010 are no longer hampering him.

The Royals have two more spring games before they head back to Kansas City.  It’s likely the final roster won’t be fully set until after Tuesday afternoon’s game.

Stay current on all the Kings of Kauffman content and news by following us on Twitter, Facebook, or by way of our RSS feed.