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Could Johnny Cueto actually be left out of Kansas City Royals’ postseason rotation?

By Michael Natelli

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It’s hard to question the rationale behind Dayton Moore’s decision to trade for Johnny Cueto at the July trade deadline. His team has its sights set on another World Series appearance (or more), and the opportunity to acquire legitimate ace presented itself at a reasonable (albeit, expensive) asking price.

It’s a trade that most, if not all, teams in a similar spot with similar resources would’ve made if given the opportunity. And the Cueto trade seemed to make a statement that the Kansas City Royals were a legitimate threat to be the American League representative in the 2015 World Series.

And with Kansas City still boasting the best record in the AL, that is indeed the case. But it’s hardly been because of Cueto.

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The former All-Star had some early success after joining the Royals, but has fallen on hard times of late. Video shows that Cueto has struggled with letting his side fly open, leaving some serious problems with his mechanics. He’s also struggled with his cutter, and while the coaching staff has worked with Cueto, it appears the problems are only growing.

None of the four home runs Cueto gave up against Baltimore on Monday were via the cutter. They were on a fastball, a changeup and two sliders, respectively. Does this mean that perhaps Cueto’s cutter has improved? Maybe. But it also means that the problems surrounding the 29-year-old aren’t strictly in one area. And that should be of a much greater concern.

Manager Ned Yost said Monday that he currently has no plans to shake up a potential postseason rotation, but “may, if this continues.” And unfortunately for the Royals, it’s hard to believe it won’t.

Perhaps Cueto’s struggles can be attributed to his first-time shift to the American League, or to getting out of a rhythm by being traded, or suddenly having the added pressure of being in a pennant race. But whatever the case, things will only get tougher in the postseason where there’s less room for error.

If Kansas City keeps its rotation on schedule, Cueto has three more starts to right the ship before the postseason. If he can get himself right, he’ll likely be featured alongside Edinson Volquez, Yordano Ventura and Danny Duffy in a four-man rotation in the team’s Divisional Series matchup. He’s essentially in a three-horse race with Duffy and Kris Medlen for two postseason rotation spots, and the team’s bullpen depth gives them the option to go with the latter two despite their inability to go deep into games.

Long-term track record, reputation and a potential bounce-back down the stretch do and could make one of those rotation spots Cueto’s to lose. But nonetheless, he’s running out of time to get back on track, and an inefficient Cueto leaves the Royals in an uphill battle to win the pennant.

Next: Are Mets The Team To Beat In The NL?

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