Kansas City Royals Call Up Michael Mariot

The Kansas City Royals have recalled Michael Mariot from the Omaha Storm Chasers today, adding another bullpen arm after their twelve inning contest against the Detroit Tigers last night.

Selected in the 8th round of the 2010 MLB Amateur Draft, Mariot worked his way through the Royals system, reaching Omaha briefly in 2012 before sticking at the AAA level the following season. He made his major league debut last year, spending two separate stints with the Royals. Overall, Mariot struggled, posting a 6.18 ERA and a 1.720 WHiP before returning to Omaha in July last year.

More from KC Royals News

• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Expectations met
• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Day 3 update
• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Day 2 update
• Winter Meetings: Any blockbusters for the KC Royals?
• Grading the 2022 KC Royals: The versatile Nate Eaton

Once again in Omaha for the majority of the season, Michael Mariot had what may have been his best season in professional ball. In 42 appearances spanning 62 innings, Mariot posted a 4-2 record with a 3.34 ERA and a 1.097 WHiP, striking out 72 batters while issuing only 16 walks. That type of performance will certainly turn a few heads and attract notice.

So far in 2015, Mariot had appeared in only one game, the Royals 7-0 loss to the Seattle Mariners on June 23, where he allowed a run on a hit and a walk, striking out one in his two innings of work. However, with the Royals bullpen struggles of late, Mariot could have a chance to carve a role out over the final two weeks of the season.

This callup could also serve as a springboard for next year. With players like Ryan Madson and Franklin Morales set to be free agents after this season, and the uncertainty surrounding the back end of the bullpen, Mariot could be auditioning for a role in the Royals 2016 bullpen. His performance at Omaha this season indicated that he may have figured out the AAA level. Now, Mariot needs to prove that he can get major league hitters out.

He will be getting that opportunity over the next two weeks. If he can perform well, Michael Mariot may find himself under consideration for a bullpen role with the Kansas City Royals next year.

Next: The Sublimity of Baseball and the KC Royals