Not that it has any impact atop the standings for 2009, but Gil Meche -- No. 2 starting pitcher for the Kansas City Royals -- will likely be shut down for the rest of the season with shoulder inflammation. He hadn't made a start since Aug. 29, when he was abused by the Mariners to the tune of eight hits and seven earned runs in just four innings. After going 23-24 with a 3.82 ERA and 1.31 WHIP in his first two seasons for the Royals, Meche has taken a huge step back in 2009. He's 6-10 with a 5.09 ERA and 1.57 WHIP.
Of course, Meche has battled injuries all season, including back troubles, so-called "dead arm" and now the ailing throwing shoulder. It's entirely possible the 30-year-old right-hander simply couldn't stay healthy and that's what most affected his craft on the hill.
He does have two years left on his contract, and it's very possible Meche can team with Cy Young candidate Zack Greinke and the still-developing Luke Hochevar to form a good trio in the Royals rotation next season.
In the meantime, the Royals hold a daunting seven-game lead on the Nationals for the 29th best record in the majors. The loser gets the No. 1 overall pick in next June's draft. Can the Royals' patchwork rotation (Brian Bannister is also injured) help them blow this lead and win the Bryce Harper in 2010 derby?
