Kansas City Royals: Of course Bubba Starling is hurt again
The star crossed career of Kansas City Royals minor leaguer Bubba Starlin suffered another setback, as the outfielder injured himself getting out of bed.
Kansas City Royals minor league outfielder Bubba Starling was ready to get going once again. After suffering his fourth oblique injury in the past year, and spending another six weeks on the minor league disabled list, Starling was ready. He had three hits in his rehab stint in Arizona, all of which were homers. Back in Ohama, he was ready to put his injury woes behind him, and hopefully emerge as part of the answer in Kansas City.
And then, Starling woke up. Literally. The dream of health ended as he stepped out of bed and stumbled, dislocating his left index finger. That injury required surgery, and the star crossed outfielder is back on the disabled list for what is expected to be another six week process.
This is just the latest setback suffered by Starling when he would seemingly have a path to playing time at the major league level. Last year, he had a strong three month run before the oblique injuries began, halting his ascension to the majors. he had a chance to make the team out of Spring Training, only to have that oblique crop up again.
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Now, it is a dislocated finger. Starling could have had a chance to come up to the majors in late July or in August if he performed well in his return to Omaha. Now, he is shut down yet again, and will not be back on the diamond until the middle of next month at the earliest. By that point, the former fifth overall pick will have turned 26 years old, and will have not spent a day at the major league level.
In theory, Starling could make his debut later this year. He could come back from the disabled list in the middle of August, after another impressive rehab stint in Arizona. Then, he could set AAA on fire, and force his way to a September callup. The Royals will be looking for anything that could be a part of the answer for years to come, so why not give Starling that look if he hits? What would they have to lose by giving him that chance?
This certainly sounds nice in theory. The problem is, that every time Starling has been on the precipice of heading to the majors, he has run into an obstacle. The former top prospect just has not been able to stay on the field, an unfortunate circumstance as he is finally beginning to show his potential.
Next: Taking inventory of the Royals
Kansas City Royals minor leaguer Bubba Starling is injured yet again. This is not another bad dream.