Kansas City Royals: Bullpen Battle, Spring Training Week 2

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: