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Kyle Zimmer allowed two hits, no walks and struck out two Texas Rangers to kick off Kansas City Royals spring training in 2016. He kept Texas scoreless through his two innings of work on Wednesday, despite battling a nasty stomach flu. Most within the organization expect Zimmer to contribute in the majors at some point this season, but many also think it won’t (or shouldn’t) happen until September. Thanks to KC’s current surplus of back-of-the-rotation starters, Zimmer presumably needs to be great in the Cactus League to warrant any serious consideration for an early-season roster spot.
Zimmer exhibited control of his fastball, which ranged in the mid-90s, his changeup and his curve, which has a nasty bite capable of making legit big-league hitters whiff. While sick to his stomach, he used his two innings to display the junk and command required to be a major league starter. Zimmer’s right on schedule for what you want out of a developing young pitcher. Through his minor-league career, the now 23-year-old has compiled a 2.56 ERA at the Double-A level, and sub-2 ERAs at all other levels. The only real concern Invader Zim should have right now is staying healthy.
It’s just one outing, so there really isn’t much to report; Zimmer looked like he should when he’s not injured, and he avoided getting injured. That’s more than we can say for Jarrod Dyson, I guess. KC’s pitching staff is undoubtedly deep enough to allow for patience, so consider it a pleasant surprise if Zim throws well enough to warrant a call-up before the All-Star break. He may look good now, but he still has the Triple-A league to dominate before his development is truly complete.
Doug LaCerte is a Kansas City Royals beat writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DLaC67, “like” him on Facebook and add him to your network on Google.
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