Kansas City Royals name Daniel Lynch starter for Cactus League opener vs. Texas Rangers
The Kansas City Royals will turn to left-handed pitcher Daniel Lynch IV to start Friday’s Cactus League opener against the Texas Rangers.
Lynch will be followed by Royals prospects Noah Cameron and Chandler Champlain in some particular order.
The game is scheduled for 2:05 p.m. Central at Surprise Stadium.
“It’s a lot of figuring out the puzzle pieces,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Especially getting guys going back and forth from the infield and outfield. But that’s what we do and it’s fun. That means we are getting close.”
Lynch is in a familiar spot. This is his second consecutive Cactus League opener after he pitched a scoreless inning against the Rangers in 2024.
The Royals have an open competition for the fifth spot in the starting rotation. Lynch is competing for the role alongside Kris Bubic, Alec Marsh and Kyle Wright, among others.
“I’m looking at it as I’m just going to keep building up as a starter,” Lynch said. “I think for me, it’s helpful that I’m not a two-pitch mix guy. When I went to the bullpen, I pitched exactly the same as I did as a starter. So really, right now, I’m just building up my innings, building up my volume and doing the same thing of executing pitches.”
Lynch has the versatility to pitch any role. Last season, he shifted to the bullpen and impressed in a relief role. He posted a 3.32 ERA in 16 games (three starts). Lynch also averaged 8.9 strikeouts-per-nine in 43 ⅓ innings.
He is willing to continue operating out of the bullpen, if needed.
“I kind of liked the down and dirty part of the bullpen,” Lynch said. “I kind of liked that. And that’s something that if it came about this year, I would be happy to do.”
The Royals also plan to get a look at Cameron. He emerged in Triple-A Omaha last season and is among the top prospects in their system. Cameron posted a 3.57 ERA across two minor-league levels.
In nine Triple-A starts, Cameron recorded 62 strikeouts in 54 ⅓ innings. He had six games with at least seven strikeouts and fewer than two runs allowed.
“It’s exciting the year he had last year,” pitching coach Brian Sweeney said. “You know, the energy that he brings too, he is here competing. And it’s really a lot of fun.”
Champlain will also get a close look. He is back in Royals camp after a 5.61 ERA in 21 games at the Triple-A level.
“Every one of these guys is competing to make the team,” Sweeney said.
