The road to recovery and redemption: Kris Bubic's journey back to the mound.
In a highly anticipated return, Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic made his spring debut, marking a significant milestone in his comeback journey. Bubic, who had been sidelined since July due to a left rotator cuff strain, finally stepped up to the plate, or rather, the pitcher's mound, in a Cactus League game against the Milwaukee Brewers.
But here's where it gets interesting: Bubic's last outing before the injury was against the Cleveland Guardians, where he gave up four runs in 2 ⅔ innings. This time, he pitched two innings, allowing four hits and one run while striking out three batters. A promising start, but is it enough to silence the critics?
Bubic's fastball clocked in at an impressive 91.9 mph, and he didn't hold back, showcasing his entire arsenal of pitches: changeup, slider, sinker, and sweeper. He left the game pain-free, feeling he had more to give. Bubic's words after the game were encouraging: "I definitely felt I got more in the tank... A good amount of whiff — especially with the changeup — so it was good to see."
This comeback is crucial for Bubic, who is in the final year of his contract. After winning his arbitration hearing this offseason, he's determined to help the Royals win the American League Central and return to the playoffs. But can he replicate his 2025 All-Star form, where he was an early AL Cy Young candidate with a 3.1 WAR and a 2.55 ERA in 116 ⅓ innings pitched?
Bubic is aware of the challenge ahead, emphasizing the need for consistency and health. He's worked on refining his sinker and 'gyro' slider during the offseason, and his efforts paid off with five swings and misses from these pitches in the game, according to Baseball Savant. Bubic's manager, Matt Quatraro, was impressed with his command and saw a lot of positives in his first spring outing.
As the Royals gear up for the regular season, they'll be counting on Bubic to regain his All-Star form. But will he be able to stay healthy and consistent throughout the season? Only time will tell. And this is the part where opinions might differ.
What do you think? Can Kris Bubic lead the Royals to success this season, or is his comeback a mere flash in the pan? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
