After what could only be described as a disappointing thirteen weeks, Wednesday could be the final outing of Johnny Cueto’s tenure with the Kansas City Royals. When Kansas City hands Cueto the baseball in a game five elimination game, its the exact sort of scenario the Royals envisioned when they acquired him from the Cincinnati Reds in late July. The Royals however, do not intend to treat Johnny Cueto like their ace, given the fact they have a well-stocked bullpen, along with the fact that Cueto has been shaky down the stretch.
The baseball may not remain in Cueto’s hands for long.
“If he’s throwing the ball good and we’re comfortable with his stuff, he’ll stay in the game,” pitching coach Dave Eiland told the Kansas City Star. “If I were not comfortable with his stuff and he’s not getting outs, he’s coming out of the game. It’s that simple. There’s no such thing as ‘rope’. There’s no such thing as ‘feelings’. We’re trying to win a baseball game and were going to do whatever we have to do.”
In the process of getting ready for game five, Royals officials have put in contingency plans for an emergency for every inning. So the the hook for Cueto could be quick. Don’t be surprised if that could happen. We might see both Kris Medlon and Chris Young who could provide multiple innings of relief. Young struck out seven in an emergency appearance in Game 1.
Other members of the bullpen are all ready to pitch, including Edinson Volquez, who is three days removed from starting game three and is available to go on short rest.
Royals manager Ned Yost has little fear about using relievers like Kelvin Herrera or Wade Davis multiple innings. Davis had to throw two innings after a Royals comeback in Game four.
