Lynch set to return to the Kansas City Royals rotation, while Staumont starts rehab
Two key members of the Kansas City Royals’ pitching staff appear poised to make their returns in the coming days to bolster both the starting rotation and the bullpen.
Left-hander Daniel Lynch, who has been on the injured list since June 23 with a blister on his left index finger, is expected to start one of the games of the club’s doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers on Monday at Kauffman Stadium. Right-hander Brad Keller would be on schedule to pitch on Monday as well.
The Royals will also send right-handed relief pitcher Josh Staumont out on a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha. He’s expected to pitch for the Storm Chasers on Sunday. Staumont, who has also been on the IL since June 23, has been sidelined by a neck strain.
Lynch made a rehab start for Omaha on Wednesday and pitched three innings. This season in the majors, Lynch has a record of 3-7 with a 4.95 ERA, a .271 opponent’s batting average, a 1.54 WHIP and 65 strikeouts in 63 2/3 innings (13 starts).
Staumont ranks second on the team with six saves behind Scott Barlow’s team-high 15. Staumont has a 3.81 ERA with a .219 opponent’s batting average, a 1.46 WHIP and 32 strikeouts in 26 innings (29 appearances).
