Kansas City Royals: How will Heath Fillmyer fit in?

With the news of the Kansas City Royals trading Kelvin Herrara to the Nationals, the empty roster spot had to be filled. Though Heath Fillmyer has primarily taken on a starting role, he is being shifted to take on a bullpen role.

Heath Fillmyer’s numbers don’t look the greatest to the naked eye. In his first season with the Kansas City Royals organization, his current record with the Omaha Storm Chasers is 4-5. With an ERA of 5.75, he doesn’t seem like he should have been the organization’s top choice.

After four years in the Oakland Athletics organization, he ended up with the Royals. He was so excited about his call-up that he went to extreme measures to share the news with his parents. According to the Kansas City Star, he had to have his girlfriend pound on his parents’ front door until they woke up, as they had already fallen asleep due to the time zone difference.

Minor League Numbers

The right-handed pitcher is listed as MLB Pipeline’s 23rd prospect within the Kansas City Royals organization. His two strongest pitches are his sinker and his curve. In addition, he boasts a 55-grade fastball. He recently added a slider to his repertoire as well.

His K/9 rate sits at 6.92 on the season, which isn’t bad, but it also isn’t the greatest. He has yielded 1.68 strikeouts per walk with the Chasers this year.

How will he fit in with the Royals?

For the Storm Chasers, he is in the starting rotation. However, in order to fill the void left by the Kelvin Herrara trade, his services are needed in the Kansas City Royals bullpen. As long as he adequately uses all four of his pitches, he should find success.

Next: Checking in on the lost free agents

Being as many games back as the Kansas City Royals are, bringing up a young hurler is a good idea. With Heath Fillmyer, though he will primarily serve in the bullpen, he has the potential and the ability to spot start if necessary.