Luke Hochevar Returns to the Mound

Sep 20, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Luke Hochevar (44) delivers a pitch against the Texas Rangers during the eighth inning at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals defeated the Rangers 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

It’s been an arduous year for Luke Hochevar, who will return for his ninth season in a Royals jersey (even if he spent last year cheering from the dugout). He watched his team go from the biggest losers over the last ten years to World Series contenders during his career in Kansas City. Unfortunately for Hoch, he was sidelined with Tommy John surgery during the Royals most successful year since 1985.

According to the Kansas City Star, he is progressing on schedule through rehab and has recently been throwing 25-30 pitches off a mound. Ned Yost raved about Hochevar’s progress in December, so maybe we’ll get to see Hochevar in game situations during Spring Training. It’s more likely that he’ll need most of April to get his arm to the appropriate condition, but the progress is promising.

Meanwhile, Hochevar is chomping at the bit. According to a Jeffrey Flanagan article, Hochevar says he’s been dying to get back on the mound for nine months. “It’s like a pregnant woman. She wants to get it out…and I want to get back on the mound again.”

I’ve expressed some doubt about the Royals bullpen depth and Hochevar’s return would help allay my concerns. Upon moving to the bullpen, much like former starter Wade Davis, Hochevar proved to be a monster. In 2013, we saw his fastball touch 98 mph and his strikeouts climb over 10 K/9. While Louis Coleman and Tim Collins are competent relievers, they’re not in the same class as Hochevar. With Hochevar available, Coleman could serve as a janitor in blowouts and Collins’ big curveball will settle nicely in the 6th or 7th inning as needed. A minor league promotion wouldn’t even be needed.

When considering the relief innings of current Royals relievers, with Hochevar’s return, look how scary the bullpen is:

Greg Holland – 2.19 ERA, 12.5 K/9, 1.069 WHIP

Wade Davis – 1.65 ERA, 12 K/9, 0.952 WHIP

Kelvin Herrera – 2.56 ERA, 8.8 K/9, 1.143 WHIP

Luke Hochevar – 2.06 ERA, 9.7 K/9, 0.892 WHIP

Tim Collins – 3.54 ERA, 9.4 K/9, 1.398 WHIP

Jason Frasor – 3.59 ERA, 8.6 K/9, 1.303 WHIP

Louis Coleman – 3.25 ERA, 9.6 K/9, 1.256 WHIP

Not one of them is a bad reliever and they all strike out a lot of batters. If Hochevar returns healthy (not to mention Kris Medlen), teams should despair when they get to the late innings against the Royals.