by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/9/2013)Aaron Crow may have closed out the Royals' 3-1 win over the Twins Monday, but manager Ned Yost made a point to say it was only because closer Greg Holland and setup man Kelvin Herrera were unavailable, which seems to imply that Herrera is the backup option for saves in Kansas City.
That's worth noting because, in case you haven't noticed, closer Greg Holland has been pretty shaky, blowing a save one day and getting pulled from a save opportunity the next. It's also not too surprising considering the buzz this offseason that Herrera might be a better choice to close than Holland.
If you're looking for a sleeper for saves in the Royals' bullpen, Herrera is the reliever to stash.
Aaron Crow called on for save
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (4/8/2013) Royals relief pitcher Aaron Crow was asked the get the final outs of Monday's home-opening win over the Twins. With Greg Holland, who remains the team's closer, having pitched in two straight games, manager Ned Yost turned to Crow.
Unlike Holland in recent games, Crow didn't have too much trouble getting the job done for his second career save. The only base runner he allowed came via the walk and he added a strikeout to secure the win. Crow needed 16 pitches and 10 went for strikes.
The 26-year-old Crow has already appeared in four games for the Royals and has allowed just two hits and a walk with three strikeouts over four scoreless innings. He'll go back to his job as a middle reliever going forward.
Royals using Aaron Crow in seventh inning
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/8/2013) Royals reliever Aaron Crow has opened the year with three scoreless outings. Crow has allowed two hits and no walks in three innings, while striking out two.
Crow also has two holds. All three of his appearances have come in the seventh inning.
Crow's career takes detour
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/21/2013)The Kansas City Star reports when the Royals drafted Aaron Crow with the 12th overall pick in the 2009 draft, they envisioned him one day being a cornerstone in the rotation. When he was shifted to a reliever in 2011, it was viewed as little more than an acclimation process to the majors. Well, a few years later it seems Crow's destined to be a major-league reliever. “We have five, six, eight or nine guys who are starters,” manager Ned Yost said. “There is no need to move Aaron Crow out of the bullpen. Plus, he fills such a big role there that it’s hard to think about moving him. He’s a guy who I trust to come into a game in a tight situation and get us out of it. Those guys are hard to find." Crow seems fine with the permanent move. “I’ve been a reliever the last two years,” he said, “and I’m going to be one again this year. So that’s really all that I’m focused on."
