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Kansas City Royals: The plan for Danny Duffy

By David Hill

Jun 25, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Danny Duffy (30) pitches during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 25, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Danny Duffy (30) pitches during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Dieb-USA TODAY Sports /
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When Danny Duffy came off of the Injured List, it was expected that he would take his place in the Kansas City Royals starting rotation. That proved to be the case in his first outing, as he made the start on Wednesday against the Yankees. He lasted just two innings, issuing three walks and striking out four while throwing 42 pitches. But that short start was expected as Duffy needs to build his pitch count back up.

What was not expected came on Friday. Just two days after making his start, Duffy was summoned into the game as a reliever, pitching the seventh inning of what ended up as a 9-4 loss to the Rangers. He fared better in that outing, firing 11 of his 15 pitches for strikes in his shutout inning while striking out a batter.

Danny Duffy’s role for the Kansas City Royals

That relief appearance marked just the second time that Duffy had entered a game from the bullpen since 2016. As Friday was his bullpen day, when he would throw a session between starts, and the relief corps was already taxed, Duffy bit the bullet and took over the seventh inning.

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However, that usage may not end with that one outing. The Royals bullpen has been overworked due to the struggles of the rotation. With Duffy still building his pitch count, a bullpen game for Saturday, and young arms unable to find their way just yet, Duffy may end up making more relief appearances this year until he is properly stretched out.

In a way, this could be a positive for the Royals. Duffy has been excellent when he has been on the mound this season, posting a 1.81 ERA and a 1.181 WHiP over his 44.2 innings, striking out 53 batters with 15 walks. He has been a weapon all year, his injury coinciding with the Royals losing their way and plummeting in the standings.

As unconventional as it may be, this is also a way to ramp up his pitch count. While he would not pitch deep into games as a starter just yet, he could slowly build up while getting a few additional outings in between. If nothing else, it will be an interesting experiment to watch.

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Danny Duffy appeared as a reliever for the Kansas City Royals on Friday. That may not be the last time this happens in 2021.

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