Kansas City Royals getting rotation help soon

The Kansas City Royals are set to receive some needed help in their rotation, as Brad Keller is nearing his return.

Even though we are just 12 games into the season, the Kansas City Royals have churned through starting pitchers. Seven different pitchers have made a start for the Royals, albeit with varying degrees of success. Whether due to injury, ineffectiveness, or Mike Matheny just throwing a dart, the Royals have not had much consistency in the rotation.

But reinforcements are coming. Brad Keller, who had been sidelined for the start of the season due to a positive COVID-19 test, is slated to be activated for the start on Thursday.

Keller alone will not transform the 3-9 Royals into a contender. He will, however, give the team a third solid arm, joining veteran Danny Duffy and youngster Brady Singer to create a respectable top of the rotation.

While he may not be a star, Keller has been a serviceable option in the Royals rotation. In his 305.2 innings over the past two years, he has posted a 3.68 ERA and a 1.332 WHiP, striking out 218 batters with 120 walks. He has also done an impressive job in keeping the ball in the park, allowing just 22 homers.

Keller has been an extreme ground ball pitcher over his career. 52% of all balls put in play against him have been grounders, explaining his ability to keep the ball in the yard. With his low strikeout totals and pitching to contact, Keller is an ideal fit in the back of a rotation for a contending team.

Right now, he is more than that for the Royals. He is essentially their third starter, although that role will likely change as the youth movement continues. While he may never be a star, he has the makings of a dependable arm that can deliver six solid innings at a time, which is a lot more than the Royals have had for the most part this year.

The Kansas City Royals are getting some help as Brad Keller is set to return to the rotation. It will not suddenly make the Royals a contender, but Keller’s presence will certainly help a beleaguered pitching staff.