Royals Report: Four Things About Getting Swept In Cleveland

Jun 5, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Chris Young (32) throws a pitch against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

4) Indians Batter Chris Young For 4 Home Runs

Sunday made clear that CHRIS YOUNG IS NOT A STARTER this season. I’m not exactly sure what has changed since his outstanding 2015. Maybe he’s lost a little movement. Or maybe he did well enough that opposing teams invested the time and energy to figure him out this off season.

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Whatever might be the case, Chris Young’s high fastball is just getting bombed. He’s given up 16 home runs in 41 innings, which is the same number of dingers he surrendered in 123.1 innings in 2015.

Young had allowed two runs through four innings on Sunday, with five stirkeouts. Then he give up three solo bombs toward the right field corner to Tyler Naquin, Mike Napoli, and Francisco Lindor. Chien-Ming Wang had to rescue Young before the KC Royals could escape the inning.

In Young’s last outing, (as a reliever), he went 3.0 innings while allowing 0 earned runs and striking out five. Of course, this performance came in Kansas City’s Kauffman Stadium. Young’s fly ball style is much better suited for the Royals home park. At this point, I think it’s clear this is how Chris Young needs to be used: in long relief and in Kauffman Stadium.

Maybe if the home run derby stops for a good long time, you might think about using Chris Young in a meaningful game on the road. Until such a showing, Yost needs to restrict Young’s usage to situations he’s shown he succeeds this season.

Of course, that leaves the problem of finding a fifth starter for a rotation in badly need of some stability.

Next: Confidence

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