It was just one game, and during Spring Training at that. Yet, KC Royals prospect Kyle Zimmer certainly looked the part yesterday.
It is difficult to get excited about one Spring Training game, especially the first game of the year. Players are shaking off the rust of the offseason, and teams are not exactly putting forth their best lineups. It would not be a surprise to see a great deal of those players starting onthis Opening Day ticketed for the minor leagues in a few short weeks.
Yet, for as much as Spring Training statistics may not matter, they are all we have. In watching the games, one can get a sense for how a player is performing, or whether or not they could have a chance at making the major league roster. While KC Royals prospect Kyle Zimmer is not likely to start the season in Kansas City, he still had a strong showing in his Cactus League debut yesterday.
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In his two innings of work, Zimmer allowed two hits, while striking out two batters. With his fastball in the mid 90’s throughout his appearance, Zimmer looked the part of the Royals top pitching prospect, and gave credence to the idea that he could contribute at the major league level at some time this season.
Naturally, the biggest key for Zimmer will be his health. Given his injury history, there is plenty of risk in attempting to rely upon having Zimmer as a part of the Royals plans in September. Yet, given how he was able to perform last season, and his first start during Spring Training, and it is easy to see why he has been considered to have the potential to be a future ace.
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It may only be one start, but Kyle Zimmer showed signs of what made him a top pitching prospect in all of baseball. If he can continue to perform well and stay healthy, the KC Royals could have another option for the rotation later in the year.