Kansas City Royals: Bullpen Battle, Spring Training Week 2

Every week this season, we will be taking a look at the relievers in the Kansas City Royals bullpen as well as a select few in the minor leagues. Each player’s performance over the last seven days will be highlighted – for better or for worse. The pitchers are broken up into four categories: potential call-ups, on the bubble, safe, and locks.

The first week of Spring Training is now behind us. Veteran players are easing back into action against live opponents. Young up-and-comers are trying to hit the ground running and make an impression on coaches and management. However, first cuts are still a ways off and it is far too early to get an accurate gauge on how any position battles are going – bullpen or otherwise.

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But there is still plenty to talk about concerning the Kansas City Royals’ bullpen battle. Some players ranked highly on last week’s list took some licks in their first appearances while a few non-roster players have impressed in the early going. The Royals had their first day off Monday, so let’s take a look back on the past week and break it all down.

On the Bubble

–Brian Flynn

It was a bit of a Jekyll and Hyde start to the spring for Brian Flynn. He got the win in his first appearance against the Giants, in which he went two scoreless innings while allowing two hits, a walk, and getting to punchouts. Things got ugly later in the week against the White Sox. Flynn went another two innings, but this time he gave up six runs on 8 hits with only one strikeout.

All of the runs happened to be unearned but there is no hiding the fact that Flynn got knocked around in this one. He still seems to be the most likely left-hander to make the roster since he is out of options. And while one bad performance will not do him in, Tim Hill has been highly impressive so far. Flynn needs to earn that spot in pen.

–Wily Peralta

Peralta’s first outing in a Kansas City uniform did not go as planned. He started the game against the Mariners but only lasted one inning. Peralta gave up six runs (four earned) on four hits and a walk. He also struck out one. However, he quickly dusted himself off and got two K’s in a scoreless inning against the Reds later in the week.

Like Flynn, one rough outing will not determine his fate in this battle. But with so many options for manager Ned Yost to choose from, every pitcher needs to be on their A game.

Safe

–Kevin McCarthy

McCarthy has had an excellent start to his bid to make the Opening Day roster. He started things off by coming in to clean Jesse Hahn‘s mess against the Dodgers, throwing 1.1 scoreless innings with one strikeout. Next, he earned the win against the Mariners with 2 more scoreless innings. He finished off the week by tossing one more scoreless frame against the White Sox, adding two more punchouts for good measure.

McCarthy is one of the eight best relievers the Royals have right now. His biggest obstacle to make the team is the fact that he still has options and can be sent back to AAA Omaha. But if he keeps pitching this way, the only option the Royals will have is to hand him a roster spot.

–Brad Keller

In addition to McCarthy, it was a quality week for Keller. He made two appearances to start off his time as a Royal. He started things off with a scoreless inning against the Giants. Later in the week, Keller got the win with another scoreless inning of work, this time while walking one and inducing two strikeouts.

All the Royals are hoping for out of Keller this season are outings like these, so if he can quietly blend in and get the job done when asked he should have no problem keeping his spot on the roster.

–Jesse Hahn

Despite the hype surrounding him, Hahn got knocked around a bit in each of his first two appearances as a Royal. He started the first game against the Dodgers and racked up the 2’s: 1.2 innings, 2 hits, 2 runs, 2 walks, 2 K’s. Things didn’t get any easier against the Mariners when Hahn surrendered three runs and three hits, plus 1 walk and 1 strikeout.

While he didn’t do himself any favors in his attempt to crack the rotation, Hahn is still probably the sixth best starter on this team. Well, that was until he was placed on the 60-day DL today with a UCL sprain. Once he’s reinstated, we’ll see what’s in store for Hahn’s 2018 season.

Locks

–Burch Smith

The Rule 5 acquisition has come out of the gate swinging and doing his best to get noticed–and we’re not just talking about his hair. Smith has impressed many in camp through his first two outings. He allowed an unearned run against the Dodgers in two innings of work, walking one and whiffing two but showing plenty of velocity. His “start” against the Mariners was even better.

Smith went two innings again, this time doubling his walk and strikeout totals without allowing a run. That gives Smith six K’s in four innings of work. He’s doing what he needs to do to solidify a long-term spot for himself in the Royals’ bullpen.

–Brandon Maurer

Maurer didn’t make his first appearance until March 3rd against the White Sox as he’s eased into the action. That lone showing ended up being a clean inning. Maurer is in no danger of losing his spot in the bullpen and will be ready to go by the end of the month.

–Kelvin Herrera

The likely closer has also been slowly worked into things as Spring Training gets underway. Although Herrera has pitched just twice, he did not allow a run in either appearance.

After one week of actual games, here are the latest Kansas City Royals relievers power rankings: