Kansas City Royals Prospect Review: Five to Watch in 2015

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Kyle Zimmer

There is no denying Kyle Zimmer’s stuff. Possessing a fastball that can touch the upper 90’s, an excellent curve and solid command, he is thought to be a top of the rotation starter in the making. It is easy to see why, over each of the past three seasons, he has been considered one of the top prospects in the minors.

His production during his minor league career would certainly be indicative of such a lofty ranking. While Zimmer’s 9-12 record and 3.66 ERA would not appear to be worthy of such a rating, he has posted a 1.199 WHiP, striking out eleven batters per nine innings while giving up under three walks per nine. There is no denying his talent.

The biggest question with Kyle Zimmer involves his health. Each season, Zimmer has battled injury, missing time at the end of the 2012 season to remove bone chips in his elbow. In 2013, Zimmer dealt with bicep tendinitis and missed most of the 2014 season with a sore shoulder. Those shoulder problems cropped up again during his time in the Arizona Fall League.

Whether or not Zimmer can stay healthy during the 2015 season could determine his future within the Royals organization. While there is the train of thought that pitching in relief would result in more wear on the arm, it is certainly at the point where one has to question if Zimmer can handle the workload required to be a starter. After all, he only has 152.2 innings of minor league experience in his three years in the Royals system.

Another injury could result in Kyle Zimmer being used in a relief role. Fortunately, the Royals have a plethora of pitching talent coming through the system.

Next: No, not his father