The Royals went 2-4 last week as they were outscored 46-26!  The Royals combined very poor pitching with below average hitting as they were lucky to win any games last week.  The Royals entered this week with a 19-32 record which had them in last place in the American League Central, 13.5 games behind the Indians.

The Royals have placed rookie Joakim Soria on the 15-day disabled list with a sore right shoulder.  The rookie Rule 5 Draft Pick has been outstanding so far this season for the Royals.  He had stepped in for injured Octavio Dotel as the Royals closer and did a fine job.  In 21 games this season, Soria is 1-2 with 10 saves, a 3.57 ERA and a 1.37 WHIP.  In 22.2 innings, he has allowed 20 hits, walked 11 batters and whiffed 25.  Octavio Dotel will return to his closer’s role as he was just recently activated from the DL.  He has only pitched in 2 games his season for the Royals and he’s worked 2.1 innings and has allowed 4 hits while whiffing 2 batters. 

23 year old righty starter Luke Hochevar is the #1 prospect in the Royals system according to Baseball America but he’s off to a tough start this season.  In 10 starts this season in AA ball, Hochevar is 3-5 with a 5.47 ERA and a 1.52 WHIP so far.  In 52.2 innings, he has allowed 63 hits, 7 homers and he’s walked 17 batters.  He has whiffed 57 batters so far this season, so the stuff is there….he’s just needs to execute a little better.  Look for the Royals to take their time in bringing up Hochevar because they can’t afford to hurt his confidence.

Lefty starter Jorge De La Rosa is off to a fine start this season.  The main reason for De La Rosa’s fine pitching is that he’s cut down on his walks drastically so far this season.  In 9 starts, De La Rosa is 4-3 with a 3.59 ERA and a 1.21 WHIP.  He has thrown 57.2 innings and he’s allowed 58 hits, has walked 12 batters and whiffed 30 of them.  Look for De La Rosa to have a fine season as long as he keeps throwing strikes because he has a good arm.

Maybe the Royals should let Zach Greinke take Odalis Perez’ spot in the rotation.  He’s been awful ever since he has gotten to K.C.!  In 10 starts this season, Perez is 2-4 with a 5.20 ERA and a 1.45 WHIP.   Perez has thrown 53.2 innings and he’s allowed 63 hits, walked 15 batters and whiffed 26.  Batting practice is supposed to be over 1/2 an hour before the game, but when Perez is pitching it starts when he throws his first pitch off of the mound.