Mike

Wood

Wood says he carries no grudge against his former organization, but we’re betting he feels he has something to prove this evening.

The Royals haven’t decided whether he’ll replace Kyle Snyder in the rotation or return to the bullpen.

Wood, who had a 4.03 ERA in 60 1/3 IP before being sent down, is expected to take Kyle Snyder’s place in the rotation. He’s unlikely to have any fantasy value.

Only one of the hits went for extra bases, so Wood must have been doing something right with his sinker. He’s going to give up hits, but if he can stay away from walks and homers, he’ll probably be OK for the Royals. That doesn’t mean he should be picked up in AL-only leagues.

Wood was down 4-0 after facing five batters, so the Royals were just happy to see him bounce back and go six innings in the first game of a doubleheader. Wood figures to keep his rotation spot, perhaps for the rest of the season.

After being one of the Royals’ only reliable relievers during the first half, Wood was sent down to Triple-A in order stretch out his arm. He was a starter throughout his career prior to this season, so this is nothing new.

Andy Sisco, Ambiorix Burgos, Jeremy Affeldt, and Mike MacDougal combined for four innings of scoreless relief. Wood has to be especially pleased to beat his former club. It’s his first win in three starts since he joined the rotation. That was obvious though, wasn’t it?

With Denny Bautista and Jeremy Affeldt moved to the bullpen Wood will get another chance in the rotation. The matchup with the Mariners is a decent one, but Wood isn’t a great bet even in AL-only leagues.

Wood has been one of the Royals’ top five starters all season long, though this was just his second start. The team will keep exploring alternatives at the back of the rotation, so Wood would bounce back and forth between starting and relieving. His fantasy upside is so limited that he’s hardly worth using in AL-only leagues even when he’s doing relatively well.

Wood has been on the DL since July 3 with inflammation in his back. He’ll be a reliever when he rejoins the Royals.