Kansas City Royals: Bullpen Battle, Spring Training Week 2

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.