Zimmer Begins Throwing Program Ahead of Schedule
After a season replete with shoulder problems, Royals prospect Kyle Zimmer had what the team initially called “minor” shoulder surgery. That surgery, however, ended up being much more than minor, as his shoulder needed damaged tissue removed, putting his chances of beginning the season in doubt. After minor surgery on his elbow in 2012 and bicep tendonitis in 2013, his 2014 operation seemed inevitable.
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As the fifth pick in the 2012 draft and a top-25 prospect according to Baseball America, the right-hander had excelled across two minor league levels, striking out 140 batters in 108 innings in 2013. With a fastball that he can dial up to 97 mph and a plus curveball, Zimmer is seen as a future staple of the Kansas City rotation. In only four starts in Double-A the right-hander excelled, posting a 1.93 ERA, 13.02 strikeouts per nine innings with an incredible 92.1% of base-runners left on base. The 23 year-old was shut down after making three starts in the Arizona Fall league and it looked like his October 28th surgery would mean a likely recovery time of 6 months.
Zimmer, however, is ahead of schedule and should be able to continue his throwing program this week. If he can build up his strength he should be on track to throw in spring training and start his first game at Double-A Northwest Arkansas in mid-April. If he can remain healthy and more consistently throw his fastball for strikes, he could make his move to Triple-A by July and be a potential late call-up when Major League rosters expand in September.