Bubba Starling Fantasy Stats

Kansas City Royals outfielder Bubba Starling has been out of the mix due to a non-COVID-19 illness, but he was activated prior to Fridays contest against Minnesota. Starling last appeared Aug. 4 and has compiled just four hits with one extra-base hit in his first nine games. Should he reclaim full-time duties in center field, Whit Merrifield would likely shift back to second base, thereby forcing Nicky Lopez from everyday duties. Oft-injured in his career, Starling has few metrics backing him to be worthy of a season-long roster spot at this stage.

Kansas City Royals outfielder Bubba Starling (undisclosed) is currently working out at the team's alternate training site as he attempts to return from an unannounced ailment. The 28-year-old's absence is reportedly not linked to COVID-19. Lynn Worthy of the Kansas City star speculated that Starling could return to the team as early as Friday. Alas, his .211/.273/.263 slash line is unappealing for any fantasy purposes.

Kansas City Royals manager Mike Matheny announced that outfielders Brett Phillips and Bubba Starling would be part of the team's roster going into opening day. Both players have limited big league experience and figure to see a few starts per week each as the season begins. The Royals just moved fellow outfielder Hunter Dozier (COVID-19) to the Injured List after testing positive for COVID-19. Dozier's absence could provide both Phillips and Starling with an opportunity, but the Royals still have Alex Gordon and Whit Merrifield as mainstays in the outfield, as well as occasional outfielder Jorge Soler and the recently acquired Franchy Cordero. Don't expect too much from either Phillips and Starling from a fantasy standpoint. You can allow them to remain on the waiver wire.

Kansas City Royals outfielder Bubba Starling, the fifth overall pick in the 2011 draft, is hitting .423/.500/.885 in spring training so far. Starling hasn't yet delivered on his abilities in professional baseball, and he struggled to a .215/.255/.317 slash line in 197 plate appearances in his first taste of big league pitching last season. His athleticism is off the charts, and he's finally starting to show it at the plate in the Cactus League. The 27-year-old could be a late bloomer, however, and could become an option in AL-only or deep mixed leagues if he earns himself a regular role in the outfield for the rebuilding Royals. Starling is still worthy of stashing in dynasty/keeper leagues, too.

Kansas City Royals outfielder/forever prospect Bubba Starling is off to a quick start this spring, hitting his second homer of the season on Wednesday. Starling is out of minor league options, and so he's in a tight battle to find a roster spot. He's got an uphill battle, and he'll likely need someone like Nicky Lopez to stumble for him to find his way in. The current outfield is penciled in as Hunter Dozier in right, Whit Merrifield in center, and Alex Gordon in left while Maikel Franco has taken over third base and Lopez sits at second. Merrifield's versatility means that a hole at second could give Starling the chance, but first, he's got to prove that he can actually belong. Often listed as the organization's top prospect for years, Starling has failed to impress in his time in the upper echelons of the minors and some limited major league experience.

Kansas City Royals outfielder Bubba Starling went 0-for-4 on Thursday to push his batting average down once again. Starling is now 8-for-48 over his last 14 games, hitting just .170 during that time. He's only clocked one homer, and he's striking out north of 34% of the time. Hopefully, these are just some basic struggles that come along with being promoted to a new level, but Starling has no minor league options left. The 27-year-old will need to take full advantage of this September and the winter to prove that he can make the necessary adjustments to earn a spot next season.

Kansas City Royals outfielder Bubba Starling continues to play nearly every day, batting seventh on Thursday. Kansas City is using the same lineup as Wednesday except at catcher, and the top half of their lineup is usable in DFS against Oakland starter Chris Bassitt, who has out-pitched his peripherals this season. But Starling? He debuted the first game after the All Star Break and has been one of MLB's worst hitters in the second half, with a .200/.241/.269 slash line and a 4.3 BB% with a 31.9 K%. Kansas City might as well ride this out the rest of the season, but Starling appears to be going nowhere fast. Even at $0 he would be a questionable DFS pick.

Kansas City Royals outfielder Bubba Starling has fallen on hard times in KC, but he's trying to fight his way through an ugly slump. Following an 11-game hitting streak in his first 12 games in the majors, Starling fell off rapidly. Starling is hitting .115 over his last 52 at-bats with one home run and four runs scored. He's also struck out a whopping 22 times over that period of time, including earning two golden sombreros for striking out four times in a single game. Starling has a history of struggling terribly when he got his first crack at each new level in the minors, so it's not surprising he's struggling in the majors now.

Kansas City Royals outfielder Bubba Starling was expected to struggle at the major league level because he's struggled at every new level he's reached, but so far, he's unstoppable as a big leaguer. After another pair of hits on Friday against Cleveland, Starling is now hitting .326 and riding a 10-game hitting streak. For a guy who has only been in the majors for 11 games, that's pretty incredible. He also went and made a phenomenal throw on Friday to get an out at home, setting the new high mark for hardest outfield throw in the entire league for this season. Starling brings light power and speed to the mix, so he probably won't be a huge fantasy asset, but in deeper leagues, he's certainly worth a flyer.

Kansas City Royals rookie Bubba Starling has finally made the leap to the majors, and he snagged his first stolen base on Thursday to help the team sweep the White Sox. The injury-prone prospect who was long considered one of the best in the KC farm system but perennially underperformed put together a strong first half and got the call after the All-Star game. He's since hit safely in five straight games and seems to be getting comfortable quickly. Starling should get quite a bit of play as the season wears on since he's been the team's hope of the future for so long, but whether he'll really be able to stick at the major league level remains to be seen. For now, he's worth a flyer in keeper leagues just in case he's ready.