Lynch (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment at Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Nerve irritation in Lynch's left elbow landed him on the injured list July 6. Now that he has the green light to return to a game setting, the left-hander shouldn't require too many tune-up outings before being cleared to rejoin the Royals' bullpen.

The Royals placed Lynch on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to left elbow nerve irritation.

EDGE Analysis

The injury may have played a part in Lynch's recent struggles; the lefty reliever has allowed four earned runs on 10 hits and four walks in 7.2 innings over his last seven appearances. Kansas City recalled right-hander Jonathan Bowlan from Triple-A Omaha to replace Lynch in the bullpen.

Lynch allowed one run on three hits and a walk while striking out four in 2.2 innings Tuesday against the Reds. He did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Lynch made just his second start in what was his 23rd appearance overall this season. He allowed a second-inning home run to Tyler Stephenson but also recorded season highs in strikeouts and outs recorded. The numbers aren't flashy, but Lynch owns a 1.75 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 16:13 K:BB in 25.2 innings this season.

Lynch will draw the start for Tuesday's contest versus the Reds, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lynch will toe the rubber for his second start of the year, after operating as an opener Wednesday versus the Giants, tossing 1.2 scoreless innings. The left-hander will likely have a similar role again Tuesday, carrying a 1.57 ERA and 1.26 WHIP into the outing.

Lynch didn't factor into the decision Wednesday against San Francisco, allowing one hit and three walks across 1.2 innings. He struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

Starters Cole Ragans (groin) and Seth Lugo (finger) hit the injured list Saturday, leaving an opening in the back end of Kansas City's rotation. Lynch has been used as a starter in past seasons, making him a candidate to fill the gap despite pitching only in relief during 2025. However, he threw just 40 pitches and couldn't make it through two full innings in what ended up being a bullpen game for the Royals. It's unclear if Lynch will make another start or if the Royals will try to stretch him out, but Wednesday's outing shouldn't inspire much confidence in Lynch's short-term prospects.

Lynch is slated to start Wednesday's game against the Giants in San Francisco, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lynch has 54 career MLB starts on his ledger, but he's made all but three of his 36 appearances out of the bullpen since the 2024 season and has pitched exclusively in relief so far in 2025. The recent moves of Cole Ragans (groin) and Seth Lugo (finger) to the injured list will temporarily create an opening in the rotation, and Lynch could serve as the Royals' No. 5 starter until one of two injured hurlers is activated. Lynch has maxed out at two innings out of the bullpen this season and hasn't recorded more than four outs in an appearance since May 3, so the Royals could look to cap him at around 40-to-50 pitches Wednesday and treat the game as more of a bullpen day. Taylor Clarke and Angel Zerpa should be relatively fresh out of the bullpen and would likely be capable of giving the Royals multiple innings, if needed.

Lynch earned the save in Tuesday's 2-1 win over the Twins, retiring the only batter he faced in the ninth inning.

EDGE Analysis

Lynch was brought in for the ninth inning with two outs, and it took him only two pitches to retire Edouard Julien on a groundout to shortstop. It was Lynch's first save of 2025 and second in the majors, though he isn't expected to see many more opportunities with Carlos Estevez as the Royals' top closer. Lynch has allowed one hit and one walk while striking out three batters across 6.1 innings to start the season.

Manager Matt Quatraro informed Lynch on Saturday that he made the Royals' Opening Day roster, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Lynch turned in a 6.19 ERA and 1.44 WHIP in 16 innings this spring while competing for a spot in Kansas City's rotation. However, the 28-year-old southpaw proved to be much more effective out of the bullpen last season, so the Royals will keep him around for Opening Day and presumably use him in a multi-inning role.

Lynch is expected to open the season in the Royals' bullpen, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

He had been competing with Kris Bubic for the final spot in the rotation, but Lynch made a relief appearance Wednesday and is set for another one Friday as the Royals prep him for a bullpen role. Lynch proved to be a weapon in relief last season, collecting a 1.84 ERA and 27:8 K:BB over 29.1 regular-season innings.

Lynch has put himself in contention for the fifth starter role with a strong spring, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. He has a 1.80 ERA with nine strikeouts and no walks in 10 Cactus League innings.

EDGE Analysis

Kris Bubic was seen as the leading candidate for the fifth starter role but he's struggled a bit this spring with a 5.59 ERA, although that comes with a 8:2 K:BB in 9.2 innings. It's more likely Lynch begins the season in the bullpen, but he could join the rotation if there's an opening -- and Alec Marsh is currently dealing with a shoulder injury.