Royals Report: 5 Things About Mets Revenge Sweep

Jun 22, 2016; New York City, NY, USA; Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Danny Duffy (41) pitches against the New York Mets during the fourth inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

5) Danny Duffy Fails To Seize Stopper Role

The Kansas City Royals really need someone to emerge as the staff ace. Danny Duffy’s recent success raised hopes that the 27-year-old was in the process of making that transition.

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He’s not there yet.

Matched up in a duel with Mets ace Noah Syndergaard, Duffy allowed 3 runs in 4.2 innings pitched, walking 4 while striking out 8. The most disappointing part of his performance was that Duffy returned to nibbling, throwing 103 pitches in less than five innings, after a long string of games in which he fearlessly attacked hitters with his 97 mph heat.

Duffy took a 2-1 lead into the fifth inning, but gave up a two-out walk to Curtis Granderson, followed by a home run by Asdrubal Cabrera. When Duffy walked Yoenis Cespedes, manager Ned Yost summoned reliever Joakim Soria from the pen.

That, KC Royals fans, is not an ace performance by any means.

It was sad to see Duffy revert to trying to shave the corners after giving up a damaging home run. Duffy’s ERA has now inflated to 3.38, which isn’t horrible, but looks more like a no. 2 pitcher than an no. 1.

Next: Kendrys Morales

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