Brandon Finnegan Could Fill a Major Hole for the Royals

The Kansas City Royals bullpen has essentially been a tale of two halves. Wade Davis, Kelvin Herrera and Greg Holland have been virtually unhittable throughout the vast majority of the 2014 season. Jason Frasor has been a solid acquisition for the bullpen since coming over from the Texas Rangers. However, the rest of the bullpen has been mediocre at best, and downright atrocious at worst.

Pitchers such as Aaron Crow, who gave up what proved to be the game losing grand slam against the Red Sox last night, Francisley Bueno and Scott Downs have not exactly inspired confidence when they have entered the game for the Royals. However, during this run through September, the Royals may have found the reliever they have needed in Brandon Finnegan.

Finnegan, who was the 17th overall pick for the Royals in this year’s MLB Amateur Draft, has certainly looked as though he belongs. The first player from that draft to reach the majors, he has been spectacular in his debut. In his 3.2 innings of work, Finnegan has allowed only one hit while striking out five.

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Yes, this is a small sample size for Finnegan. However, this continues the dominance that he showed through his time in the minors this season, where he posted a combined 1.33 ERA and a 0.889 WHiP, striking out 26 batters in his 27 innings. Playing at a level far beyond his age, Finnegan appeared to be ready for those challenges. That has continued thus far with his ascension into the majors.

Brandon Finnegan’s performance thus far should position him for more work going forward. With the Royal sin desperate need of reliable relievers outside of their Big Three, Finnegan may be the reliever they need. The Royals certainly need to locate a better left handed option in the bullpen, and that may well be Finnegan.

A power lefty reliever was the biggest hole in the Royals bullpen. The Royals may have filled that hole for the foreseeable future with Brandon Finnegan.