Kansas City Royals Postseason Fourth Starter Candidates

Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

Even though the Kansas City Royals are limping towards October, their place in the postseason is all but assured. Barring a truly historic collapse, the Royals will take home their first American League Central title, and make the playoffs for the second consecutive year for the first time since the early 1980’s. Yes, there is plenty of cause for concern, but the final few weeks should culminate with at least one celebration for the boys in blue.

One of the biggest concerns for the Royals recently has been their starting rotation. While Yordano Ventura has been solid of late, Johnny Cueto has struggled, and has not looked like the ace the Royals had acquired. Edinson Volquez has been steady for most of the season, despite his recent slippage. We know that those three will likely head the Royals postseason rotation in some order.

However, the biggest question mark for the Royals is that fourth starter. While the back of the rotation has been in a bit of disarray for most of the season, especially after Jason Vargas was lost for the season, it was expected that spot would belong to Danny Duffy. However, Duffy has been pulled from the rotation for Jeremy Guthrie, who lost his spot to Kris Medlen. And let us not forget that Chris Young is still out there and performed well for a time as a starter.

So, who will actually emerge as the fourth starter for the Kansas City Royals this postseason? Let’s take a look at the candidates.

Next: Can DuffMan deliver?

Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Danny Duffy

Danny Duffy was expected to be the Kansas City Royals fourth starter come the postseason. However, he has not exactly performed to expectations for much of the season, posting a 4.35 ERA and a 1.434 WHiP in his 128.1 innings of work. Of his 24 starts, Duffy has pitched seven or more innings only four times this season, hardly what the Royals envisioned when they considered he and Ventura the top starters to the rotation.

For as much as Duffy has struggled this season, his last six outings have been worse. Even though he showed signs that he was breaking out of his season long slump, Duffy posted a 5.40 ERA and a 1.600 WHiP, allowing a .287/.360/.443 batting line in his last six starts. It has gotten to the point where Duffy has been removed from the rotation for Jeremy Guthrie, as he has been banished to the bullpen to get himself right.

In theory, this demotion from the rotation with just over two weeks left in the season would spell the end of Duffy’s hopes of cracking the playoff rotation. However, if he finds the groove he had last season, and performs well if given another start, Duffy could still pitch his way into the Royals postseason plans. After all, none of the candidates are exactly running away from the rest of the competition.

Despite his struggles this year, and subsequent banishment to the bullpen, Danny Duffy could still be a part of the Kansas City Royals playoff rotation. All he needs to do is get back on track and start to deliver the way he did last year.

Next: The likely favorite

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Kris Medlen

The fact that Kris Medlen is even in the conversation for the fourth spot in the Kansas City Royals playoff rotation is somewhat remarkable. After all, exactly one pitcher, Chris Capuano, made ten or more starts after his second Tommy John surgery. The odds seemed stacked against Medlen being more than a bullpen arm going forward.

Instead, Medlen has been much better than the Royals could have realistically imagined. While he had his struggles getting back into a starting role, Medlen’s 4.60 ERA is a bit deceiving. Even with the seven runs on twelve baserunners in 5.2 innings that he allowed on September 4th, Medlen still has a 1.159 WHiP since entering the rotation.

Indeed, the biggest concern with putting Medlen in the rotation may be the wear on his surgically repaired elbow. While the Royals are focused on a playoff run this season, they do have Medlen under control through 2017. Would that concern about his long term health keep the Royals from making him their fourth starter, putting a few extra innings on that elbow?

Kris Medlen may be the best option in terms of results this season, but this is a case where the Kansas City Royals would need to balance the short term against the long term. Which side will win out?

Next: Rising from the ashes

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Jeremy Guthrie

Jeremy Guthrie was done. Toast. Finis. No matter how one wants to say it, the veteran starter was at the end of the line. While he had been a good soldier for the Kansas City Royals, he just did not have anything left. After all, from July 18 through September 4, Guthrie had a 6.54 ERA and a 1.664 WHiP. Opponents hammered him to the tune of a .337/.388/.590 batting line, with twelve home runs allowed in 42.2 innings. The end was nigh.

Then, as is always the case when everyone is ready to write Guthrie off, he rebounded. the Royals Rasputin has pitched well in his last two outings, allowing only one run on two hits and four walks in his last six innings. Now, with Duffy struggling, Guthrie is back in the rotation.

As much of a longshot as it may be, suppose Guthrie pitches well in his two or three starts down the stretch. What then? Could Ned Yost really hand him the ball in a hypothetical Game Four? As absurd as it may seem, Guthrie was the Royals Game Seven starter in the World Series. He has a level of trust with Yost, as Guthrie is seemingly able to raise his game when it matters most.

it is seemingly unlikely to happen, but one could have said the same about Jeremy Guthrie starting another game for the Kansas City Royals. Could he have one more postseason run in the tank?

Next: The early season savior

Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Now, it’s time to put yourself in the role of Ned Yost. We have reviewed the candidates for the fourth starter come playoff time, and now it is time to make the decision of who will get the ball for that start.

As we have detailed, all of the candidates have potential flaws. Medlen’s elbow may not be able to hold up, and resting him may be best for the future. Guthrie is Guthrie, and Duffy has not exactly been effective this season. Young has not started a game since July 28th.

So, who would you choose to take the ball for Game Four of a postseason series for the Kansas City Royals? Let us know by voting in the poll below!

Next: Can Ned Yost Pull Royals Out of Tailspin?