Kansas City Royals Options to Fix the Rotation

Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Insert Chris Young and/or Kris Medlen in the rotation.

The buzz around Chris Young as a possible rotation option for the Kansas City Royals certainly grew last week when he pitched five no-hit innings against the Detroit Tigers. He struck out nine batters while giving the Royals something that they just had not had this season. Naturally, it was time to remove Guthrie from the rotation and to put Young in that spot.

Kris Medlen, meanwhile, would be more of a long term plan. He began throwing off of a mound two weeks ago, and has yet to actually begin his rehab assignment. Even when he does, Medlen is not expected in Kansas City until the end of June or early July, at which point, he is expected to pitch out of the bullpen initially. If Medlen is to have a starting role, it likely would not come until August.

Of the two options, Chris Young would seem to be the most likely. However, as Ned Yost has stated that he is going to give Guthrie a chance to work through his struggles, Young is likely to remain as the Royals long reliever. However, if after a couple of more starts, Guthrie continues to struggle and leave the Royals bullpen with the unenviable task of trying to get five or six innings, then Young may be given that chance.

If the Royals do decide to make a change, and take an internal route, Chris Young is likely to get the first crack at the spot. However, he is not the only option that the Royals may have, even if we remove Kris Medlen from consideration.

Next: Look to the minors