Kansas City Royals Options to Fix the Rotation

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Give Yohan Pino, Brandon Finnegan or someone else a chance.

If the Kansas City Royals determine that Young is not a fit in the rotation and still want to give someone a chance, they have plenty of pitching depth in the minor leagues. Yohan Pino, who was just sent back to Omaha when Greg Holland was activated from the disabled list, would certainly be an interesting choice. He pitched 10.2 shutout innings during his time in Kansas City, allowing seven hits while striking out eight batters. In his one start in Omaha, Pino allowed only one hit in seven innings, striking out six. He has certainly had an excellent start to his tenure in the Royals system.

Perhaps another option would be to give Brandon Finnegan a chance. While he has been strictly a reliever when he has been brought up to the majors, Finnegan has been stretched out as a starter while pitching for the Northwest Arkansas Naturals. He has, however, struggled thus far, posting a 1.571 WHiP, belying his 3.86 ERA. Chances are, Finnegan would need a bit more time before being a viable option.

The Kansas City Royals also have Joe Blanton and Clayton Mortensen in Omaha, both of which have experience starting in the major leagues, even if neither have pitched in the majors since 2013. Blanton, a complete reclamation project for the Royals, has pitched relatively well, producing a 3.74 ERA and a 1.158 WHiP. Given that Mortensen has struggled to this point, producing a 5.49 ERA and a 1.576 WHiP, Blanton may be the more likely of the two to be called up.

Of the possible moves that the Royals would make to solve their starting rotation problems, this may be one of the least likely. However, Pino has pitched well, and Finnegan may well prove that he is ready for the majors over the next month or two.

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