Christian

Binford

Binford was acquired from the Orioles this past August for cash considerations and went on to post a 3.86 ERA in 21 innings (two starts, five relief appearances) at Double-A Erie. The 25-year-old right-hander will serve as organizational pitching depth for the Tigers in 2019.

Binford struggled mightily during six starts for Triple-A Omaha, posting a 5.86 ERA and 1.66 WHIP with more walks (15) than strikeouts (nine) in 27 2/3 innings. The 22-year-old excelled at three minor league levels last year as part of a breakthrough campaign (2.88 ERA, 139/22 K/BB in 140 2/3 IP), and there was even some talk that he might reach the majors as a September call-up. However, Binford’s lack of a dominant pitch has been exposed this season as a result of his shaky command, so it’s not surprising the Royals want him to work through his issues at a less challenging level.

Jared Mitchell’s fifth-inning single was the only hit Binford gave up all afternoon, though he did match a season-high by allowing four walks. Binford hadn’t won since May 4 against Round Rock. He was pitching for Triple-A Omaha back then but has since been moved down to Northwest Arkansas. Though talented, the 22-year-old remains a work in progress.

He struck out four batters and walked two in the outing, which was easily his worst of the season. Previously, Binford hadn’t allowed more than four runs or eight hits in a start. Still, the 21-year-old has put together an impressive season overall, with a 2.74 ERA and outstanding 122-17 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 124 2/3 innings (21 starts) between the High-A Wilmington and Double-A Northwest Arkansas. However, success hasn’t come as easily for Binford since moving up to Double-A, as he’s already allowed six home runs in 42 innings after yielding just two in 82 2/3 with Wilmington.

After a rough outing to end May, Binford has sparkled in June, holding opposing batters to a .174/.191/.196 line while allowing one unearned run, eight hits, and one hit batsman in 13 innings in two June starts. The 21-year old Binford has pitched well in the High-A Carolina League and could be in line for a promotion to Double-A Northwest Arkansas in a few weeks.

Binford threw 66 of his 92 pitches for strikes (71.7 percent) while allowing only one extra-base hit -- a fourth inning home run by Trevor Story. Binford has pitched well in Double-A, holding opposing batters to a .233/.266/.367 line. The 21-year old was a 30th-round pick in 2011 and projects to be a solid back-end starter who could be a No. 3 at his peak. He could see time in Kansas City by mid-2015, and might even be an option coming out of spring training.

Binford had a no-hitter going through five innings, including getting Joey Gallo to ground out ground out and fly out, before allowing two hits in the sixth inning. Binford tired in the seventh inning, but was still able to finish out the inning. He threw 64 of his 90 pitches for strikes (71.1 percent).

Binford dominated Carolina League hitters, holding them to a .231/.260/.317 slash line with a 10.0 K/9, a 2.40 ERA, and a 1.004 WHIP. The 21-year old Binford has the potential to be a solid No. 3 starter for the Royals, and could be up as soon as late-2015.

Binford threw 69 of his 96 pitches for strikes (71.9 percent), showcasing his solid command. He has pitched very well in Double-A, holding opposing batters to a .245/.276/.345 line while putting up a 7.1 K/9. Binford has the potential to be a No. 3 pitcher in his peak, and could make his major league debut in mid-2015.

The towering right-hander sports a 1.91 ERA and 0.988 WHIP for the season, and has struck out 10.8 batters per nine innings. He lacks the pitching repertoire to be much more than a back of the rotation innings-eater, but he has the size and pitchability to have a high floor. He could see a promotion to Double-A Northwest Arkansas soon if he keeps dominating the Carolina League.