Kansas City Royals: Lucas Duda should not return when healthy
There is a belief that players should not lose their job due to injury. The Kansas City Royals should not hold to that mindset.
On Friday, the Kansas City Royals placed Lucas Duda on the 10 day Injured List due to a lumbar strain. Kelvin Gutierrez, who is off to a hot start in Omaha, was promoted to Kansas City, getting his first taste of life in the majors.
In theory, once Duda is eligible to return on May 4, he should find himself right back on the major league roster. Chances are, unless he has a dramatically impressive stint over the course of that week, Gutierrez will be right back in Omaha, getting regular at bats and staying ready in case he is called upon again.
Yet, that may not be the right move. With the Royals continuing their rebuild, there is really no reason to keep Duda on the roster. His .174/.304/.326 batting line, with two homers in 56 plate appearances, is not enough to make him a viable trade chip at the deadline.
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Gutierrez, meanwhile, showed that he was ready for this opportunity. Prior to his promotion, he had produced a .333/.443/.439 batting line in his 79 plate appearances. While primarily a third baseman, he had gotten some action at first this year, and has 61 games of experience at short, providing a degree of defensive versatility.
As Duda has served as the Royals primary designated hitter, it would be relatively easy to find a role for Gutierrez in the lineup. He, Hunter Dozier, and Ryan O’Hearn could theoretically alternate between first, third, and DH, allowing each player to remain in the lineup nearly every day.
In theory, Duda is on the Royals roster as a veteran presence, one who can mentor the youngsters and help teach them what it means to be a major league player. Yet that only goes so far when a player is not producing and is not a viable part of the lineup. Duda, at this point in his career, does not serve much of a purpose.
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The Kansas City Royals do not have a need for Lucas Duda. When he comes back from the Injured List, it should be time to cut bait.