MLB Rookie Profile: Kevin McCarthy, RHP, Kansas City Royals

Catching up with more prospect and rookie profiles, we turn our attention back to the Kansas City Royals with a look at right-handed relief pitcher Kevin McCarthy. He was first called to the major leagues this year on May 29th, sent back to the minors on June 7th, and now back to the majors on June 19th. Here’s a quick take.

McCarthy was drafted by the Royals in the 16th round in 2013 from Marist College. He missed almost all of 2014 with injury but came back as an effective reliever in ‘15, posting a 2.74 ERA in 62 innings between Low-A, High-A, and Double-A. 2016 was similar: 3.04 ERA in 68 innings between Double-A and Triple-A with a 59/24 K/BB and 16 saves.

He appeared in the majors last September, pitching in ten games down the stretch, and in five more this season. In 16.2 big league innings he has a 4.86 ERA with a 10/7 K/BB and 17 hits.

McCarthy is a 6-3, 200 pound right-hander born February 22nd, 1992. He relies heavily on his sinker, which can get up to 94-95 MPH with some tailing action, and will mix in a slider, change-up, and a traditional four-seamer. He’s maintained strong ground ball rates at all levels but has shown some vulnerability to left-handed hitters.

Overall he projects as a useful middle man or ROOGY, coming in to counter a rally with a ground ball or provide other filler innings as needed. He could make a living in the back part of a bullpen.