Kansas City Royals Week Two Review: Who’s Hot, Who’s Not

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

2. Yohan Pino

After Yordano Ventura was ejected for drilling Brett Lawrie in the elbow on Saturday, it seemed as though the Kansas City Royals bullpen would find themselves overworked this weekend. Then, Yohan Pino, making his Kansas City Royals debut, bit the bullet and put the team on his back.

On a night that coincided with his usual turn in the Omaha rotation, Pino saved the Royals bullpen. He pitched 4.2 shutout innings, allowing only three hits while striking out three. Even though the Royals were unable to get their bats going on Saturday, Pino gave them a chance to come back in the contest.

In all likelihood, baring another injury, Yohan Pino is here until Greg Holland comes back from the disabled list. Pino may make another couple of appearances here or there, likely in a blowout one way or another. Yet, his appearance on Satuday saved a bullpen that was sorely needed on Sunday, as Danny Duffy only lasted five innings. This weekend could have been a disaster.

Instead, Pino made sure that the Kansas City Royals bullpen was saved. It may not resonate on the stat sheet, but he truly helped make the victory on Sunday possible.

Next: The wrath of Cain