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

Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

1. Yordano Ventura

When one is the ace of a starting rotation, there are certain expectations. Those expectations are magnified when that ace can throw 100 MPH fastballs with ease, firing the heat late into games. At the very least, those expectations involve being properly hydrated and not being thrown out of games on a semi-regular basis.

On the plus side, Yordano Ventura did not experience his cramping issues, nor was he thrown out of the game. However, that was about the only positive from his week. Against the Indians, Ventura allowed five runs on six hits and four walks in 5.1 innings of work. Yes, the definition of the strike zone may have been very nebulous, but that does not excuse this performance.

The Kansas City Royals need to have strong pitching in order to contend. While the offensive surge has been amazing to watch, they need Ventura to step up and take on that ace role. That means being the stopper, being the pitcher who can go toe to toe with the best in the American League while putting the Royals on his back.

We know he can do this. Ventura certainly proved so during the World Series last year. Now, he needs to take that mindset and fire and channel it into being that top of the rotation starter the Royals need him to be.

Next: Royals Week Three Review: Who's Hot, Who's Not