Royals Report: 5 Things About Bomb-Fest In Chicago

4) Ian Kennedy Gets Bombed Again

Ian Kennedy gave up five runs in 6.0 innings last Saturday in Cleveland, and followed up that outing by allowing seven runs to Chicago in 5.2 innings on Friday. He’s served up six gopher balls in his last 11.2 innings pitched, including four to the White Sox who came into Friday’s game with the second fewest home runs in the American League (behind, of course, the KC Royals).

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The fact is, Kennedy has been pretty bad away from the deep expanse of Kauffman Stadium this season. Kennedy has held opponents to a 1.46 ERA in four home starts, while opponents have battered him on the road for a 4.65 ERA in seven road starts.

It’s pretty clear that Ned Yost needs to do everything he can to keep Kennedy from pitching in a small park if he can help it. And, Kennedy needs to be on a short leash. Pulling Kennedy before hitters can see him a third time is probably a pretty good idea if the KC Royals are playing in a bandbox in a tight game.

Of course, that would make too much sabermetric sense, so we can’t have that.

Hey, look on the bright side. At least Joakim Soria, Kelvin Herrera, and Wade Davis are REALLY rested.

Next: Whit Merrifield