Kansas City Royals manager Mike Matheny made it official Tuesday afternoon: Veteran left-hander Danny Duffy will take the ball for the club in its season opener on July 24.
Duffy, 31, will make the third Opening Day start of his career when the Royals begin their 60-game slate against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Duffy previously started season openers in 2017 and 2018.
Last year's Opening Day starter, Brad Keller, remains on the injured list following a positive test for COVID-19. Keller is one of four players the club has reported as sidelined with positive coronavirus results since the start of spring training 2.0.
"He's throwing the ball well, he feels strong and I put a lot of weight on that position of being the guy that throws that first game," Matheny said. "It just one game, really, in the bigger picture, but Danny has all those attributes _ has the success, has the longevity _ to set the tone.
"We're pushing him to embrace that role, and his stuff absolutely lends itself to being in the conversation for him taking the ball that first day and helping us get off to a great start.
Duffy began last season on the injured list with a shoulder ailment and had one other IL stint in August after straining a hamstring running sprints during a pregame workout in Boston's Fenway Park.
Duffy finished the 2019 season with a 7-6 record after posting a 4.34 ERA with 115 strikeouts, 46 walks, a .251 opponent's batting average and 1.31 WHIP in 130 2/3 innings (23 starts).
