(610 Sports) -- Royals' top pitching prospect Daniel Lynch is set to make his MLB debut tonight against the Cleveland Indians. In a corresponding move, Jakob Junis, who has been very solid in the starting rotation, will be moved to the bullpen to help strengthen a relief corps that's dealt with a number of injuries.
Lynch, the 34th overall pick of the 2018 draft, has a 2.74 ERA and 26.2% strikeout rate over 147 2/3 innings in the minors but will be making the jump to the majors with no Double-A or Triple-A experience. Lynch went 1-2, 7.71 in five Cactus League appearances this spring.
To make room for Lynch on the active roster, someone will have to be sent down but that has yet to be known. The most likely candidate is another pitcher, Jake Newberry and Tyler Zuber are the first to come to mind. Newberry, in particular, has really struggled since being called up, getting tagged for 8 runs in just 4.1 innings but we are still waiting for official word.
Lynch will face Cleveland’s Aaron Civale, who’s 4-0, 2.94 in five starts this season.