Kansas City, MO (SportsNetwork.com) – The Kansas City Royals have re-signed
right-hander Luke Hochevar to a two-year contract that includes a mutual
option for the 2017 season.
Although financial terms were not released, CBSSports.com reported the pact to
be worth $10 million on Wednesday.
After spending the majority of his career as a starter, Hochevar transitioned
to the bullpen for Kansas City in 2013 and thrived, going 5-2 with a
1.92 earned run average over 58 appearances.
However, he missed all of last season following Tommy John surgery.
The former No. 1 overall pick, though, should be ready by the start of spring
training for the Royals, who already boast perhaps the best bullpen in
baseball.
Shortly after Hochevar was injured last spring, the Royals turned to righty
Wade Davis — who had been battling for a rotation spot — to fill the void.
The move more than paid off, as Davis went 9-2 with a 1.00 ERA and 109
strikeouts in 72 innings. He also gave up just one earned run this past
postseason and was a driving force behind the Royals’ American League pennant.
Hochevar has appeared in 190 games (128 starts) for the Royals and is 43-61
with a 5.10 ERA.
