Scott Downs signs with Kansas City Royals
By Hayden Kane
The Kansas City Royals added another piece to their bullpen on Sunday morning. The team announced that they signed left-handed relief pitcher Scott Downs.
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This might be considered an example of the rich getting richer. The Royals already boast one of the strongest bullpens in baseball, an area of strength that has helped keep them in position as contenders in the American League Central. That especially goes for the back of the bullpen. By adding Downs, the Royals give themselves another option to bridge to Wade Davis and Greg Holland.
The Royals signed LHP Scott Downs, and optioned Casey Coleman.
— Andy McCullough (@ByMcCullough) July 6, 2014
Downs’ overall numbers with the Chicago White Sox tell the story of a guy who has struggled thus far in 2014: he posted a 6.08 ERA in 38 appearances. Command has loomed as the biggest issue for Downs. In 23.2 innings he has already issued 15 walks, whereas he issued only 19 walks in 43.1 innings in 2013.
Even with those issues, there are signs that Downs could turn things around in short order. His K/9 mark holds at a solid 8.4, and he is still effective getting left-handed hitters, holding them to a .224 average against thus far this season. The White Sox parted ways with Downs, but this is a low-risk opportunity for the Royals to see if Downs can produce better results.
The Royals might be able to put Downs in better positions to maximize his strengths. If that’s the case, this could be a nice understated move for them as they try to stick around in the tough American League Central.