The Kansas City Royals are off to a fantastic start to the season . At 17-12, the Royals sit 2 1/2 games back of the Cleveland Guardians for the American League Central lead. The club’s rotation of Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, Michael Wacha , Alec Marsh and Brady Singer have a combined 2.98 ERA, the third best in the majors. However, Marsh was put on the 15-day injured list last week, forcing the club to turn to another arm from the minor leagues. According to Jaylon T. Thompson of the Kansas City Star, help is on the way.
On April 24, Marsh was struck by a line drive against the Toronto Blue Jays. The baseball hit his right elbow and there was swelling near his forearm flexor.
Jonathan Bowlan Entering Big League Rotation
Jonathan Bowlan will take the ball against the Blue Jays on Monday. The right-hander made his MLB debut last year and has three innings of major league experience. This season he has been impressive, compiling a 2.57 ERA and a 25 percent strikeout rate through four Triple-A starts. He has limited opponents to a .231 batting average while issuing five walks across 21 innings.
“I’m just kind of attacking guys and trying to eat innings,” Bowlan said. “Do what I can to get them out as quick as I can. So, that’s kind of been my goal this year and that’s what I am going to continue to do. Kind of just go from there.”
The Royals haven’t announced a corresponding roster move. The club will see how Marsh feels after treatment and how he ramps up his throwing again. Marsh is eligible to return from the injured list on May 9.
Bowlan Made a Surreal Debut Last Season
Bowlan made his major league debut against the Detroit Tigers late last season. He threw two innings with two strikeouts, but allowed Miguel Cabrera to hit his 511th career home run in his final homestand. Bowlan did leave an impression thanks to his 95 mph fastball and a nasty slider.
“The [first strikeout] was exciting,” Bowlan said. “It was a good start. Just tried to take it one pitch at a time and execute pitches and do the best I could do. The [Cabrera] situation was very, very surreal. All the lights going on, the standing ovation he git. And then he got up to the plate, and I was like, ‘All right, I just have to locate this pitch.’ Next thing you know, he put a good swing on it. If I was to give up my first home run, I’d rather it be to a Hall of Famer than anyone else.”
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