Kansas City Royals: Kyle Zimmer feel good story only beginning

Finally, after seven long years, Kyle Zimmer may be ready to make his debut with the Kansas City Royals.

Kyle Zimmer was done. Not just with the Kansas City Royals, but in general.

He could not stay healthy, with a myriad of arm injuries and surgeries. His stuff was gone, the formerly mid 90s fastball down to a velocity of under 60 MPH. The Royals had removed him from the 40 man roster, sending him to DriveLine in an attempt to resurrect his career. The time spent there delivered enough promise where he was re-signed to a minor league contract, and added to the 40 man roster once again.

While the Royals had no way of knowing what Zimmer would be like when he returned, they likely did not expect what has happened. He has been dominant in Spring Training, with his fastball touching 96 MPH and his curve showing the bite and potential it had before injury. The results have been there statistically as well, as Zimmer has yet to allow a run over his 7.2 innings, allowing just five hits and two walks while striking out five batters.

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That performance has certainly grabbed the Royals attention. Manager Ned Yost has said that Zimmer has been surprising, and has put himself firmly in the mix for a spot in the bullpen. If he can break camp with the Royals, it would just be the continuation of what has been a remarkable feel good story thus far during the Spring.

Obviously, Spring Training statistics do not tell much of a story. It can be difficult to determine whether or not those numbers are real, or the product of facing inferior competition. Yet, it is telling that Yost is that excited about Zimmer’s stuff, and the fact that he is finally showing Kansas City what they expected when he was drafted.

As it currently stands, Zimmer may be fighting for one of two spots in the bullpen. And there is plenty of competition for those spots, even if the names are not as recognizable as Zimmer’s. Therefore, he is not a lock to make the Opening Day roster. However, even if that is the case, Zimmer may be able to make an impact on the major league roster at some point in the season.

Kyle Zimmer has been quite the feel good story for the Kansas City Royals. At this point, his story may only be beginning.