KC Royals: The Mythical Mike Minor Shut Down For Year

KC Royals pitcher Mike Minor has been shut down for the year after suffering from shoulder inflammation in his rehab assignment at AAA Omaha. It was the second setback in Minor’s rehab.

Kansas City Star beat reporter Rustin Dodd tweeted the news on Wednesday:

Kansas City Royals general manager Dayton Moore signed former Atlanta Braves pitcher Mike Minor to a two-year, $7.25 million deal last winter, hoping he could return from shoulder surgery in June. The 28-year-old, right handed Minor last pitched in 2014 when he made 25 starts for Atlanta with a 4.77 ERA.

Former top prospect Minor had appeared to enjoy a breakthrough season in 2013, when he went 13-8 with a 3.21 ERA with a 8.0 K/9 for an Atlanta team that won the NL West.

Minor had raised hopes that he could return as a dominant pitcher he had been for the Braves in 2013 when early reports indicated he was touching 96 mph in workouts early this season. However, Minor hit a setback in late June after beginning a rehab assignment at AAA Omaha at the beginning of the month. Minor began a second rehab assignment in late July, but has again suffered should inflammation.

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The KC Royals has hoped Minor could help the team down the stretch, and maybe even take over the no. 5 spot from Dillon Gee. Those hopes are now dashed. At this point, Dayton Moore probably can’t rely on Minor to hold down a rotation spot in the 2017 season.

While the Kansas City Royals could still get help this September from rehabbing starters Kris Medlen and Jason Vargas, both have been hit hard recently. Vargas has a 6.75 ERA in 9.1 innings at three minor-league levels, and Medlen has a 13.50 ERA in 5.1 innings in his last three starts at Omaha.

Fortunately for the KC Royals, both their starters and relievers have dominated opponents in August. The pitchers have posted a team ERA of 2.36, including a current 34.2 inning scoreless streak from the bullpen. Let’s hope that recent trend can continue through the end of the season.

Next: Marlins Snap KC's 9-Game Streak With 3-0 Win

At this point, the hope for help from the injury list might hinge on the return of reliever Wade Davis. He threw a bullpen session Wednesday and could begin a rehab assignment soon.