Kansas City Royals Postseason Fourth Starter Candidates

Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Young

At the beginning of the season, when the Kansas City Royals rotation was decimated by injuries, Chris Young became the unlikely savior of the staff. Signed as an insurance policy, Young made a splash in his first outing, firing five no hit innings against the Detroit Tigers. Suddenly, that insurance policy looked like he could become a mainstay in the starting rotation.

While Young’s time in the rotation lasted for only three months, he was one of the more solid starters for the Royals during that time. In 90 innings as a starter, Young had a 3.40 ERA and a 1.156 WHiP, striking out 61 batters. Yes, there were a few bumps in the road, but Young lost his spot in the rotation due to the improved health of the expected starters, not through ineffectiveness.

Now, with Danny Duffy’s struggles, and Jeremy Guthrie’s return to the rotation, it may be that Young could get another look as a starter. Ideally, the Royals could look to rest the Big Three over the next couple of weeks, especially once that division title is secured. In doing so, Young could well continue that effectiveness that he displayed when thrust into the rotation earlier this year.

Chris Young may be even more unlikely to start a postseason game than Jeremy Guthrie, but he has been effective virtually all season. If the other candidates falter, Young may be the best option for the Kansas City Royals.

Next: Who do you want to see as the fourth starter?