Kansas City Royals: Bubba Starling finally set to make major league debut
Bubba Starling is finally going to get his chance at the major league level, as the Kansas City Royals will promote him on Friday.
Eight long years ago, the Kansas City Royals selected local outfielder Bubba Starling with the fifth overall pick. He was considered to be a potential five tool prospect, albeit raw. His potential outweighed his statistics early in his career, as Starling was a consensus top 50 prospect prior to both the 2012 and 2013 seasons.
However, injuries led Starling to be unable to live up to his potential. He had considered walking away from the game in 2017, and was removed from the 40 man roster and released by the Royals. Even though he returned on a minor league contract, Starling did not appear to have much of a chance to make an impact in Kansas City.
Instead, something unexpected happened with Starling this season. He remained healthy, allowing him to be productive. Through 285 plate appearances, he had produced a .310/.358/.448 batting line with seven homers and nine steals. His performance had the Royals faithful clamoring for Starling to get a chance in Kansas City.
And now, he is about to get that opportunity. Starling will be promoted to the majors prior to the Royals game against the Tigers, with a corresponding move on the 40 man roster to be made.
OF Bubba Starling will be selected from Omaha to the active roster prior to tomorrow night’s game against Detroit. #Royals
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) July 11, 2019
This move does have a degree of risk for the Royals. Starling is out of options, so sending him back to the minors would not be a given. Another team could pluck him from the Royals should they be intrigued by his skillset and look to give him a chance.
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At this point, the Royals have nothing to lose. They are playing for the future, looking for those players that can be a part of the next wave of success. Given the struggles of Billy Hamilton and Terrance Gore, neither of which should be a surprise, it may be easy to find playing time for Starling once his promotion becomes official.
For Starling, this is the culmination of his hard work and perseverance. He was a Royals fan growing up in Gardner, Kansas, having the incredible opportunity to be drafted by his hometown team. His ascension to the majors did not come nearly as quickly, nor as smoothly, as expected, but that could make his debut even more meaningful.
The Royals, despite the continued doubts from experts, stuck with their former phenom. They were patient as he battled injury after injury, and allowed him the time he needed to reflect on his future. That patience was rewarded in AAA, as Starling showed flashes of being the player that the Royals expected him to be. Those rewards could continue at the major league level.
Next. Royals potentially on the trade block. dark
The Kansas City Royals are bringing Bubba Starling up to the majors. After eight long years, he is getting his chance.