Kansas City Royals: The Rise of Scott Alexander

The Kansas City Royals bullpen in the past few years has been one of the most dominant in MLB. This year, however, it has struggled to survive. One of the key pieces of the future has seemed to emerge.

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Scott Alexander has been straight-up dominating lately.

On Tuesday, we saw closer Kelvin Herrera leave a game against the Colorado Rockies in the ninth inning with an injury. Ned Yost then called on Alexander to finish the game. He entered with the bases loaded and a 2-0 count on Pat Valaika.

Alexander got out of the jam by coaxing a ground ball to Alcides Escobar. The shortstop flipped the ball to Whit Merrifield, and Alexander officially recorded his first career save.

Kansas City Royals

Alexander has surged as the Kansas City Royals have needed bullpen help. He has stepped up his game in his last six appearances. During those games, he has only given up one hit and one walk with six strikeouts. He also has not given up a run in any of those appearances.

Is it time for the Kansas City Royals to consider giving him a bigger role within the bullpen?

With the uncertainty in the bullpen—due to injuries to Herrera (who will hopefully be available this weekend in Cleveland), Joakim Soria and Neftali Feliz—other pitchers are going to have to step up and help fill the gaps. Kevin McCarthy and Eric Skoglund have both been called up to help add depth to the bullpen.

Alexander, who has a 3-3 record with four holds on the season, has played well enough to earn a role in the seventh or eighth innings. This could help fill the gap with Soria out. Alexander has excelled this year and has stepped up every time he has been asked. Taking one of these roles would be the next step for him.

He has been dominant lately. If he can keep it up, the bullpen can do well and he should be a reliever to help the Kansas City Royals rebuild that once-dominant bullpen in years to come.

Next: What is the Royals' Postseason Outlook?

Let me know what you guys think in the comments. Are the Kansas City Royals using Alexander correctly? Should they elevate his role?