Royals Report: 5 Things About Choke Job In NYC

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May 10, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Medlen (39) pitches against the New York Yankees during the second inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

1). Kris Medlen Isn’t Cutting It In Rotation

General manager Dayton Moore took a big gamble by signing Kris Medlen before the 2015 season to a two-year, $8 million deal. Medlen had been a top of the rotation pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, but suffered his second torn ulnar collateral ligament in his elbow.

Only one pitcher in major league history has made more than 15 starts after two Tommy John surgeries: Chris Capuano.

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Capuano has made 109 starts since his second Tommy John surgery, but has moved to the pen as a 37-year-old for the Milwaukee Brewers this season. Though durable, Capuano has been a slightly-below average starting pitcher.

That’s not a great track record for guys coming back from their second Tommy John surgery. Medlen was decent as a starter after joining the KC Royals staff in last July, but hardly dominant. Medlen went 6-2, with a 4.01 ERA in 2015, and a 4.50 ERA in eight starts.

However, he’s struggled with command in 2016. So far, Medlen’s 7.77 ERA includes 20 walks in 24.1 innings pitched.

Like Chris Young, Medlen needs to return to the pen until he shows he’s right. The KC Royals are giving away games that they can’t afford when he starts.

Next: Lorenzo Cain

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