Slow Start, Strong Finish For Todd Eaton
SURPRISE, Ariz.—For righthander Todd Eaton, it is not how you start but how you finish.
The 24-year-old gave up four runs on six hits—including two home runs, a double and triple—in two innings in his high Class A Wilmington debut last year on July 18.
In his next 11 relief outings, Eaton allowed one earned run in 18.2 innings for an ERA of 0.48 with 18 strikeouts and five walks.
The Royals then made Eaton, a 34th-round pick out of Southern Illinois in 2014, a late addition to the Arizona Fall League. In his first two appearances, he yielded five runs on six hits, including a pair of home runs, in two innings. In his final three appearances, Eaton pitched five scoreless innings, walked none and struck out five.
“I had a little bit of nerves, but after that I felt pretty good,” Eaton said. “I think I got the nerves out the first couple of outings. Then I calmed down.”
Eaton, who is 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds, had a setback late in 2015 when he was a starter at Rookie-level Idaho Falls. He suffered a latissimus dorsi muscle injury in the back of his right shoulder.
“I went into the offseason thinking maybe some rest (was what I needed for 2016), that I was tired and fatigued,” Eaton said.
When he started getting ready for spring training, Eaton’s shoulder discomfort did not subside. He began 2016 on the disabled list and made five rehab appearances in the Rookie-level Arizona League before going to Wilmington.
Eaton logged 18 saves at Southern Illinois as a sophomore and junior before moving into the rotation as a senior. He worked as a reliever in 2014, then started in 2015 and moved back to the bullpen last season.
“I like both roles,” Eaton said. “I might like relieving a little bit better.”
Eaton sits 93-94 mph and has touched 96. He also throws a plus slider, and his changeup has improved. He could open this season at Double-A Northwest Arkansas.
ROYALTIES
• Second baseman Corey Toups, who has hit .289/.380/.453 in 1,084 at-bats in the minors, is a non-roster invitee to big league camp. The Royals drafted him out of Sam Houston State in the 15th round in 2014.
• Leon Roberts, who played for the Royals in 1983-84, will be the hitting coach at Double-A Northwest Arkansas.
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