Vin

Mazzaro

Mazzaro made a relief appearance Friday for the first time since his infamous 14-run appearance earlier this season. He fared much better this time, striking out a batter in a clean inning. “The thinking behind that is he’s got a plus slider,” Yost said. “Match him up against right-handers, where he can use that slider, it might be a very usable addition to that pen. I’d like to see it, anyway. We know what he can do as a starter.” Mazzaro might still be given a shot next spring to start, but his future might be in the pen.

Mazzaro had a 4.37 ERA and 27/10 K/BB ratio in 35 innings over his six starts this season at the Triple-A level. Look for him to pitch in middle relief.

Evidently he hasn’t officially been banished to the bullpen just yet. Mazzaro holds a 4.74 ERA and 1.54 WHIP over seven appearances -- five starts -- this year with the Royals. He can be avoided for fantasy purposes.

The Royals have yet to make an official announcement. Mazzaro, 25, has a 5.70 ERA in six starts and two relief appearances in the majors this season and should be off the radar in fantasy leagues.

Mazzaro has registered a rough 5.70 ERA in eight appearances this season at the major league level. He should be avoided in fantasy leagues no matter his role.

Hochevar lasted just 1 2/3 innings and 63 pitches in his last start, which made the Royals consider bringing him back early, but they’ve decided against it. “We’d be pushing this a little bit,” manager Ned Yost said. “Especially going in September, these guys need four days.” It’s not clear whether it will be Teaford or Mazzaro getting the ball first, but they’re both capable of going multiple innings.

Mazzaro walked four and struck out four. He cruised through the first three innings until all hell broke loose in the fourth. Seven of the first eight hitters reached in the inning, leading to the Pirates scoring all five of their runs. While Mazzaro wasn’t at his best in this outing, he has actually pitched fairly well for the Royals thus far. He’ll look to bounce back against the Cardinals in St. Louis on Friday.

Mazzaro lasted just 1 1/3 innings in Friday’s loss to the Cardinals. He’ll move into a long relief role, with Everett Teaford expected to take his spot in the rotation Wednesday. Luis Mendoza could also be booted from the rotation, with veteran Doug Davis possibly replacing him.

This means Will Smith will pitch Monday against the Twins. Mazzaro was originally drafted by the A’s and owns a lousy 5.12 ERA in the big leagues. He can be ignored in fantasy leagues.

He’s been up and down multiple times with the big club this season, posting a 6.12 ERA over nine games -- six starts. Mazzaro will return to a 4.53 ERA in 10 games -- eight starts -- at Triple-A.