Kansas City Royals bring back Kyle Zimmer on minor league deal

The Kansas City Royals got their wish, as Kyle Zimmer will remain with the franchise on a minor league deal.

The Kansas City Royals decision to designate Kyle Zimmer for assignment came as a surprise. Although he had dealt with a myriad of injuries, Zimmer was still an undoubtedly talented pitcher. If he could stay healthy, there was still hope that he could be a key part of the Royals future.

When he was designated for assignment, the Royals hope was that he would slip through unclaimed, allowing them to bring Zimmer back on a minor league deal. Yet, given that potential, the expectation was that some team would take a chance on him. In the end, the Royals dreams came true, as they were able to bring Zimmer back on a minor league deal.

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Those health concerns led to Zimmer’s release, and likely were why he was not picked up by another team. Injuries have derailed his development since he was selected with the fifth overall selection in the 2012 MLB Amateur Draft, as the now 26 year old has yet to appear in the majors. His minor league season is also being delayed this year, as Zimmer is nursing yet another injury, this time to his shoulder.

The results have not been exactly what the Royals would have hoped from Zimmer, but his statistics have been hampered by those injuries. He has still posted a decent 3.54 ERA and a 1.247 WHiP, but his talent has truly been showcased in his strikeout numbers. In his 259 innings, Zimmer struck out 310 batters with only 90 walks. Considering that he performed well as either a starter or a reliever, Zimmer would seem to have a future somewhere in the majors.

Of course, that comes with the caveat of whether or not he can stay healthy. If he can, it would not be a surprise to see Zimmer get a look in what may be a rough year for the Royals. And now, if Zimmer continues to be as injury plagued as he has been over his career, he will not take up space on the 40 man roster.

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The Kansas City Royals have managed to bring Kyle Zimmer back on a minor league deal. This may be the best case scenario for both parties.