Kansas City Royals: Brandon Maurer should be released
We can all see that Brandon Maurer isn’t working out. The Kansas City Royals need to make the right move, now and stick with the move this time.
After the Kansas City Royals acquired Brandon Maurer last year, to say it hasn’t worked out would be an understatement. His 8.97 ERA over his time in Kansas City would result in most players being released. However, for Maurer, it seems to be a different story.
On the season, Maurer has an 11.11 ERA over 10 appearances and was outrighted this year to Omaha. When he was reassigned to Omaha, he wasn’t all that impressive. Over 19 appearances in Triple-A, Maurer posted a 5.48 ERA, walking 13 and striking out 24.
The part that’s hard to believe is Maurer allowed zero earned runs over his last 11.2 innings and 11 appearances in Omaha, and still had a 5.48 ERA. His ERA over his first eight games was a horrible 12.48 over 10.1 innings, resulting in an inflated ERA.
When we look at his recent numbers, it doesn’t make sense to keep Maurer around.
Since coming back from Omaha on June 15th, Maurer has pitched in five games and 4.0 innings. Over those games, he has allowed four runs which is a 9.00 ERA. Also, over those four games, he is responsible for two blown saves and a loss.
Over the 2018 season, Maurer has made 10 appearances. He has been apart of three blown saves, three losses, and an 11.11 ERA.
To say he has been struggling this year would be an understatement. So why bring this topic up again? It’s a pretty simple choice.
The Royals have a couple pitchers in Omaha who could benefit from Maurer’s roster spot.
For example, Richard Lovelady is a pitcher that the Royals should consider bringing up to the big leagues to see what he can do. The 22-year-old has a career 2.18 ERA and a 3.32 ERA during his time in Triple-A. His career WHIP of 0.997 and 145 strikeouts compared to 40 walks has to be on the Royals radar.
This year has been a “rough” year for him, but he is still performing well enough to potentially get a call-up. The only catch is he isn’t on the 40-man roster. Which, letting Maurer go would open the roster spot necessary for Lovelady to get the call-up.
Jake Newberry is another possible option. While moving between Double-A and Triple-A this year, the 23-year-old has a 2.18 ERA over 28 appearances. His 39 strikeouts compared to 9 walks is also something to admire. Again, though, he isn’t on the 40-man roster.
If the Royals wanted, they could bring Trevor Oaks or Scott Barlow back to gain more MLB experience as well. I understand not wanting to continue using their service time, but they are using service time of other young players right now.
Final Thoughts
I don’t see the purpose of using Maurer anymore. He was supposed to be the team’s future closer for when Kelvin Herrera either walked or was traded. That time has come and gone, and Maurer is still struggling.
The Royals have tried sending him back to Omaha to get mentally straight. He struggled to start, but then started to show promise. He was called back up and picked up right where he left off. When Maurer comes into the game, we all know what will happen next.
Next: Royals #1 prospect is on the move
I had a post earlier this year saying the Maurer was “on watch”. I don’t think Maurer should be “on watch” anymore. Perhaps Maurer and the Royals should go their separate ways. Maybe a new scenery can help Maurer right the ship, but it doesn’t seem to be working well in Kansas City.
What do you think Royals fans? Should the Royals part ways with Maurer for good? Or should they continue giving him chances? Let us know below!