Royals call up pitcher Collin Snider in wake of trade that sent Aroldis Chapman to Texas
The Kansas City Royals promoted reliever Collin Snider from Triple-A Omaha ahead of Saturday’s game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Snider, 27, made his MLB debut last season. He appeared in 42 games and posted a 6.55 ERA in 34 1/3 innings. The Royals will get another look at Snider after trading veteran reliever Aroldis Chapman to the Texas Rangers on Friday.
“We are working right now with a seven-man pen,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We have to make sure we are fresh. Collin is well rested and able to give us multiple innings if needed.”
The Royals sent reliever Brooks Kriske to Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move.
Snider is 4-1 with a 6.35 ERA this season. However, he has pitched well in his last five Triple-A appearances.
Snider allowed one run across 4 2/3 innings of work in that stretch. He said he worked on his delivery and it’s led to better pitch command.
“The last couple have been really good,” Snider said. “Throwing at the end of games, one-run lead and stuff like that; was really feeling the adrenaline and the competition mode. Just attacking hitters. It’s been good to be in that position.”
Snider is also throwing his slider at an improved rate. As a result, he has thrown consistent strikes to opposing hitters.
“It’s really focusing on strike one and getting ahead of the hitters,” Snider said.
Quatraro mentioned there is opportunity in the bullpen. The Royals will use a bullpen rotation that includes veterans Amir Garrett and Taylor Clarke in high-leverage situations. Carlos Hernandez could also be utilized in a late-inning role.
Snider is projected to work in the middle innings. He is stretched out to provide relief across multiple frames. The Royals will evaluate his potential as they look to replace the bullpen void following the Chapman trade.
“He is somebody we have been hoping to get up here at some point in the year based on what we think of him and how we think his stuff plays,” Quatraro said. “It is a good time for him right now.”
This story was originally published July 1, 2023 at 5:32 PM with the headline "Royals call up pitcher Collin Snider in wake of trade that sent Aroldis Chapman to Texas."
