Lyles is likely to be away from the Royals for an extended period of time as he deals with a personal issue, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lyles was placed on the inactive list over the weekend, and the Royals don't seem prepared to have him back in the bullpen anytime soon. After losing out on a rotation spot coming out of spring training, Lyles had been pitching well in a low-leverage relief role, tossing five scoreless innings through his first five appearances of the season.

The Royals placed Lyles (personal) on the inactive list Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Lyles will step away from the team as he tends to a personal matter. The 33-year-old righty has yet to allow a run through five innings this season, and Anthony Veneziano will come up from Triple-A Omaha to replace him in the bullpen.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Thursday that Lyles will open the season in the bullpen, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lyles has been limited to just five innings this spring because of a back problem and has served up four home runs during that time. The right-hander will be an overpaid long reliever, but Quatraro is making a logical decision in picking Alec Marsh over Lyles, who posted a 6.28 ERA in 31 starts last year.

Lyles could be trailing Alec Marsh in the fifth starter competition for the Royals, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Not only has Marsh out-pitched Lyles by a wide margin, but the latter has also been plagued by a lower-back issue this spring that has limited him to just five innings. Lyles will make another start Thursday, but he might not be stretched out sufficiently enough to open the year in the rotation. The Royals could opt to put Lyles on the injured list to begin the season, allowing him to build up his stamina while giving Marsh a shot in the rotation to see what he can do.

Lyles (back) allowed five runs on seven hits and struck out one over three innings in a Cactus League game Saturday versus the Cubs. He did not walk a batter.

EDGE Analysis

Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports Lyles was able to get to about 50 pitches with a bullpen session following the start. Lyles dealt with lower-back tightness earlier in March, which has slowed his ramp-up for the 2024 season. Rogers adds that Lyles should be built up enough to start at the beginning of the season, but there's no guarantee just yet that the right-hander will open the year in the rotation. Both Daniel Lynch and Alec Marsh have been solid in spring games, with Marsh showing the most upside with a four-inning piggyback appearance after Lyles' start Saturday.

Lyles (back) will start for the Royals in Saturday's Cactus League game against the Cubs, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lyles has been battling back spasms but got through a recent live batting practice session with no issues, clearing the way for his return to games. The veteran right-hander projects as the Royals' No. 5 starter but is being pushed by Alec Marsh and Daniel Lynch.

Lyles (back) will long toss Thursday before throwing a bullpen session Saturday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

If the bullpen session goes well, Lyles will progress to a live batting practice session Monday. Lyles felt some lower-back tightness in a "B" game earlier this week but did some conditioning work without issue Wednesday and will look to continue his throwing progression. If healthy, he's the favorite to open the season as Kansas City's fifth starter.

Lyles (back) will play catch Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lyles departed a "B" game Tuesday with lower-back tightness, but he's feeling better a day later. The veteran right-hander expects to be ready to make his next scheduled spring start, but the Royals will wait to see how he recovers over the next couple days. Lyles is competing for the final spot in Kansas City's Opening Day rotation.

Lyles experienced lower back tightness Tuesday, but is feeling better, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lyles exited Tuesday's "B" game versus the Rangers with the injury after fielding a grounder. The details regarding the injury were initially not available. The pitcher was feeling better when he left the complex later and will be reevaluated Wednesday morning.

Lyles (undisclosed) exited Wednesday's "B" game versus the Rangers with an injury after fielding a grounder, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The severity or nature of Lyles' injury wasn't immediately available. Until further details are provided, it's unclear how long the injury could sideline the right-hander.