Kansas City Royals: Kyle Zimmer’s filth is forcing his way on the roster

Remember that time before Spring Training started and no one knew what to expect from Kyle Zimmer? Well, that is in the past and he needs to be in the Kansas City Royals bullpen.

This is not a joke. Kyle Zimmer is absolutely filthy so far this Spring. That guy who showed up on Driveline’s doorstep throwing 58 MPH is now in the mid to upper 90’s with a nasty breaking ball. I repeat, he NEEDS to be in the Kansas City Royals bullpen on Opening Day.

The numbers speak for themselves. Zimmer is now through 8.2 scoreless innings, allowing only five hits and striking out seven batters. If you are new to baseball, first of all welcome, and also those are good numbers. Save your ‘it’s only Spring Training’ argument for someone else.

For a written out articulation of his filth, look no further than Patrick Brennan. He tweeted out the full inning for Zimmer that showed a groundout and two strikeouts.

This is Spring Training, so who he faced matters. The groundout was off the bat of Ian Desmond, and the strikeouts were Ryan McMahon and Mike Tauchman.

It is clear that Zimmer is working with two pitches. His fastball is in good shape, only dipping below the 95 MPH mark twice. His curve also looked good, creating a few strikes. What is better is that he recorded strikeouts with both pitches.

If you want to read into it, Zimmer threw to Nick Dini. Cam Gallagher was in the game up until that inning when Dini was subbed in.

To immediately negate that, the catcher situation means nothing. Do not read into that. It is just circumstance.

Zimmer’s issue will be the same as it always has been, durability. In this one instance, however, that seems to be a non-starter. He warmed up for the game the day before the Kansas City Royals played the Rockies. Then he pitched in the game against Colorado with no issue.

If Zimmer’s arm holds up, then the Kansas City Royals bullpen is immediately better. Even if it is just Spring Training, there is a lot to like about what is going on.

Zimmer presents one of the best comeback stories of the season. If he can be successful, it is a testament to the power of Driveline, but more than that it will be great for the Royals who never gave up on their pitcher. And, good on the pitcher for not giving up on his team, because that was an option prior to this season.