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https://theathletic.com/2484948/2021...-how-to-pitch/

How the AL Central’s starting pitchers stack up, with input from players around the division: ‘They know how to pitch’
by
The Athletic MLB Staff

Royals

Rotation: Brad Keller, Mike Minor, Brady Singer, Danny Duffy
Others: Jakob Junis, Kris Bubic, Daniel Lynch, Jackson Kowar
Key stat: 7. Somehow, this is the number of Royals pitching prospects from the 2018 MLB Draft who have a chance to pitch this season in the big leagues. Singer, of course, is starting out of the gate. Behind him, though, are Bubic, Lynch, Kowar, Austin Cox, Jonathan Bowlan and Jon Heasley. The Royals selected all of them in one draft. They all competed in this year’s big-league spring training. And each is coming quickly — with others behind them.

What their division opponents are saying

White Sox outfielder Adam Engel on Kris Bubic: “He’s a really good young arm. He’s got a really good arsenal of pitches. I think he uses them pretty well. I didn’t even know until today that he went from A ball to the big leagues last year. If somebody would have asked me last year if this guy came from A ball, I would’ve been like no way. This guy’s got a good idea of how to locate all of his pitches, which isn’t normal for an A-ball (pitcher). I wasn’t facing guys in A ball that could do that. Really good young pitcher, plus change-up. In my opinion, I think his change-up is his best pitch. Really good young arm and I think he saw that he got optioned today (March 19), which is always tough as a young guy. But I’m sure he’ll be fine. I’m sure he’ll bounce back and start throwing some meaningful innings for Kansas City.”

What the Royals are saying about their rotation

Keller, who pitched only 165 1/3 innings in 2019: “The way my body feels right now and arm feels, I feel pretty going into the season. My goal is to get to 200-plus innings. And I personally think I can get there.”

Singer on this spring training versus debuting last year: “It felt completely different. It felt a lot better, knowing we’re going to start in April and play 162. I feel like I knew what I needed to do. We added veterans this spring, so there were more people to lean on and talk to. There was a lot to learn. And that’s what I want to do every spring training. Keep learning.”

What our writers are saying

Alec Lewis, Royals beat writer: The Royals are hoping that Keller, deemed one of the most interesting pitchers in baseball because of the spin axis on his pitches, continues to progress. Consistency will be a focus, as will his ability to throw close to 200 innings, if possible. Royals officials call Keller “a horse.” This will be the 25-year-old’s season to show why. In 2020, he posted a 2.47 ERA in 54 2/3 innings. He’ll lead off, with Minor, whom the Royals signed this offseason, following suit. As with Keller, the Royals want to see Minor, a veteran lefty, pitch 200 innings. Singer, who debuted last season, is next in line. Though Singer’s change-up remains a question mark, the Royals trust his competitiveness and pinpoint ability to land his fastball and slider to all four quadrants the way he did in a near no-hitter last season against Cleveland. Rounding out the four-man rotation (to start the season) will be Duffy, who is entering the final season of his contract. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Duffy slide to the bullpen at some point this season, but his ability to throw innings makes him a lock in this spot to start. Then, as the Royals hit the many back-to-back-to-backs, others such as Junis, Bubic and Lynch could be in line for starts in a No. 5 role or a potential six-man rotation down the line.