Kansas City Royals Prospect Review: Top Pitchers of April

Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

5. Louis Coleman

During Spring Training, Louis Coleman was in play for one of the Kansas City Royals bullpen spots. However, when Chris Young was signed and slotted into the bullpen, he fell victim to a numbers game. As a result, Coleman was ticketed to Omaha, where he would presumably wait for injury (or now, suspensions) to find his way back to Kansas City.

Despite the obvious disappointment he may be feeling, it has not effected the way Coleman has pitched. If we take Yohan Pino and the one hitter he threw in his only start in Omaha out of the equation, Coleman has the lowest WHiP of any pitcher in the royals system. Thus far, in his eleven innings of work, Coleman has allowed three hits and four walks while striking out eight.

While the walks are a bit concerning, they are not a major departure from the norm. Aside from his excellent 2013 season in Kansas City, Coleman has typically walked around four batters per nine innings, so he is right around that mark. Considering that opponents only have a .111 batting average against Coleman, and have mustered only one line drive in forty plate appearances, the Royals can live with that walk rate.

Even if he has yet to be called back up, Coleman is certainly pitching quite well in Omaha. He may find himself back in Kansas City some time soon.

Next: The closer of the future?