Manager Ned Yost said Duffy (shoulder) will likely head out on a minor-league rehab assignment before rejoining the big-league rotation, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Duffy is working his way back from left shoulder tightness. The southpaw, who is scheduled to face live hitters Monday, will remain at extended spring training to finish his throwing program before being cleared for a rehab assignment. Based on where Duffy is currently at in his recovery, he may not be ready to join the Royals until the second half of April.

Duffy (shoulder) is likely to remain at extended spring training when the Royals head north in advance of their March 28 season opener versus the White Sox, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The Royals have been pleased with how Duffy is progressing from the left shoulder tightness he first experienced in late February, but he's still well behind schedule compared to the rest of the team's rotation candidates and won't be rushed back into action. According to Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star, Duffy completed a bullpen session Saturday and throw off a mound on two more occasions before facing hitters in live batting practice March 25. Based on where he's currently at in his recovery, Duffy could be ready to join the Royals when the team first requires a fifth starter April 10 versus the Mariners.

Duffy (shoulder) threw 10 pitches off a mound Saturday and will throw 25-30 pitches off a mound Wednesday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The report contradicts a previous one which held that Duffy was still limited to flat ground. The news means he's slightly further along in his timeline, though the short length of that session and a lack of a clear return date means that a stint on the injured list to open the year is still a possibility.

Duffy (shoulder) is still playing catch on flat ground, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

EDGE Analysis

He was shut down briefly earlier this spring with shoulder tightness, and while he hasn't had any issues since, he still hasn't progressed to throwing off a mound. It seems quite possible that he will open the year on the injured list.

Duffy (shoulder) will resume his throwing program Tuesday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Duffy has been battling shoulder tightness, but he's ready to pick things back up after taking a little more than a week off to rest and recover. Manager Ned Yost noted that the southpaw still has enough time to get ready for the start of the season, though the team won't rush him after shoulder injuries bothered him throughout the 2018 campaign. His status will be worth monitoring as spring progresses.

Duffy is battling shoulder tightness, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Ned Yost didn't seem particularly concerned about the issue, calling it "normal spring stuff," but the fact that Duffy's 2018 campaign was cut short in early September by similar issues does make the injury somewhat worrisome. Duffy will be backed off temporarily. If he's able to get back on the mound soon, he'll still have time to build up for Opening Day, but an extended absence could make a stint on the injured list likely.

Manager Ned Yost confirmed that Duffy (shoulder) will not pitch again in 2018, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Duffy was forced to leave Tuesday's outing in the first inning after aggravating a pre-existing left shoulder injury. The right-hander dealt with shoulder tendinitis last month, which included a short trip to the disabled list. Yost added that Duffy can't receive another anti-inflammatory shot after getting one a few weeks ago, so he will be shut down for the rest of the 2018 campaign. Looking ahead, there shouldn't be any concern that Duffy will be feeling the effects of this issue by the time spring training rolls around. In his absence, Eric Skoglund or Glenn Sparkman may get an opportunity in the Royals' rotation.

Duffy (shoulder) said after Tuesday's game he'll be shut down for the rest of the season, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Duffy exited Tuesday's game during the first inning after aggravating the left shoulder tendinitis that sent him to the disabled list in mid-August. The Royals have no need to risk pitching the 29-year-old during the final month of a lost season. Dunny will finish the season with a 4.88 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 141:70 K:BB over 155 innings. Ian Kennedy (oblique) is set to come off the disabled list this week and should slide into Duffy's spot in the starting rotation.

Duffy exited Tuesday's game against the Indians with left shoulder tightness, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Duffy spent some time on the disabled list in mid-August with left shoulder tendinitis, so this could be aggravation of that issue. The severity this time around remains unclear, but the 29-year-old's next turn through the rotation is currently set for Monday against the White Sox.

Duffy exited Tuesday's start against the Indians with an apparent injury, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Duffy recorded only two outs before leaving the game, allowing three runs while throwing only 14 of 26 pitches for strikes. The 29-year-old didn't quite look like himself, but the specifics of the situations remain unclear at this point.