Kansas City Royals: Blaine Boyer released by Royals

The Kansas City Royals announced yesterday that Jorge Lopez would be called up to start in tonight’s game against the Toronto Blue Jays. It was later announced that the corresponding move in the call up was to release Blaine Boyer.

Blaine Boyer was just reinstated off of the disabled list on Sunday. Unfortunately for him, he had to make a quick turnaround with his release from the team. As soon as the Jorge Lopez call up was announced, the release of Boyer was what most anticipated the move would be.

Boyer’s Season Statistics

Blaine Boyer put in a total of only 21.2 innings in the 2018 season. He recorded only nine strikeouts while yielding 13 walks. He played yesterday against the Toronto Blue Jays, and he blew a lead late in the game. After that, plenty of Kansas City Royals fans begged for him to be released.

According to Royals Review, Blaine Boyer tallied the second worst career ERA in Royals history (for players with a minimum of 20 innings pitched) behind Albie Lopez at 12.71.

Boyer was signed as a free agent with a contract of $1 million dollars. Taking his place in the bullpen is Burch Smith. The shift bodes well for Burch Smith, who was struggling in a starting role.

Jorge Lopez joins a cast of young starters in Kansas City’s starting rotation. Though there are many young starters now, there are some names who are missing. The main one being Richard Lovelady. Trevor Oaks is another player who many think should be given an opportunity in the rotation again.

According to Royals Review, between Lopez, Jakob Junis, Heath Fillmyer, Glenn Sparkman, and Brad Keller, there are just 59 MLB starts total. Another will be added when Jorge Lopez finally toes the rubber (though the delay is pushing that back).

What are your thoughts on the young starting rotation and the release of Blaine Boyer? The shift to nearly all starters 26 years of age and younger may be a sign that the rebuild is finally starting. Let us know what you think in the comments below!