Royals Report: 4 Things About Breaking The Losing Streak

Jun 11, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Danny Duffy (41) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox during the sixth inning at U.S. Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

4) Danny Duffy Is Emerging As The Team’s Ace

The KC Royals need a staff ace and Danny Duffy seems to be becoming that guy. He’s got the stuff, headlined by a fastball that touches 97-mph to go with a slider, change, and occasional hard sinker. But, more importantly, he now has the approach and attitude to carry the role.

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He’s no longer a bundle of nervous energy with no place to go on the mound. He’s harnessed his competitive drive into performance. Duffy also goes right after hitters instead of nibbling like in the past. Though he walked three hitters on Saturday, he’s only issued five free passes in his last 10 appearances—a span that has covered 35.2 innings pitched (going back to before joining the rotation).

Duffy struck out 10 while only needing 88 pitches through 6.0 innings, Yordano Ventura could learn a thing or two from Duffy.

At 27, Duffy is coming right into his prime and he’s got the talent to headline a rotation. If he continues his recent trajectory, Duffy could become the first true ace drafted and developed by Dayton Moore’s “Process”.

It’s about time.

Next: Alcides Escobar

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