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The Royals have placed pitcher Ian Kennedy on the 10-day disabled list with a Grade 1 hamstring strain and have called up right-handed pitcher Miguel Almonte from AA Northwest Arkansas. Kennedy left Thursday’s start against the White Sox in the fifth inning clutching his leg after a rough outing.
RE: Hamstring strain for Kennedy. Pitchers averaged 40 days missed due to hamstring strains. Kennedy himself missed 15 days for one in '15 pic.twitter.com/034UkUUcgE
— Shaun Newkirk (@Shauncore) May 4, 2017
Almonte had a disastrous 2016 season but has rebounded nicely this year with a 1.85 ERA with 29 strikeouts in 24 1⁄3 innings for the Naturals. Almonte features a fastball that can run in the mid-90s with a very good changeup, but has struggled with a third pitch and with his command. The Royals have not announced whether he will take over Kennedy’s spot in the rotation or if he will work out of the pen. Another starter could come up by the time Kennedy’s next scheduled start comes up, or the team could have Chris Young, Travis Wood, or Mike Minor move to the rotation as all have starting experience.
Kennedy had pitched well until Thursday’s game, and goes to the disabled list with a 3.03 ERA in six starts, although with a 4.47 FIP.
Poll
Who should make the next start in Kennedy’s place?
This poll is closed
-
38%
Miguel Almonte
(218 votes) -
30%
Mike Minor
(171 votes) -
6%
Travis Wood
(38 votes) -
12%
Chris Young
(71 votes) -
12%
Someone else from the minors
(69 votes)