Duffy (5-6) dazzled over 8.1 innings against the Rangers on Saturday, allowing just five hits and one earned run while striking out four, but suffering the loss in a 1-0 defeat.

EDGE Analysis

Duffy (5-6) had been nearly flawless heading into the ninth inning, but allowed a leadoff single to Jonathan Lucroy, which would eventually lead to a game-winning single by Shin-Soo Choo. Nonetheless, it was easily one of his most dominant outings all season and a great sign for fantasy owners as the second half gets underway. Although he's well below the astounding 9.4 K/9 he posted last season, Duffy still figures to be one of the stronger pitching options in the American League, especially if he can work deep into ballgames. His next outing lines up to be Thursday against the Tigers.

Duffy (5-5) tossed seven innings in Sunday's loss to the Dodgers, allowing five runs on six hits (three homers) and no walks while striking out nine.

EDGE Analysis

In his second start back from the DL, Duffy put up an admirable fight against Clayton Kershaw, but was ultimately done in by a three-run third inning. The three home runs were the most allowed by the left-hander this year, but the nine strikeouts were Duffy's second-most this season. Jason Hammel will take the hill Friday when the Royals return from break, but Duffy will likely fall into the rotation against Texas over the weekend.

Duffy (5-4) pitched 5.2 innings, allowing two runs on five hits and two walks while striking out four Mariners in Tuesday's win.

EDGE Analysis

Making his return from an oblique injury, Duffy shook off the rust in an efficient 86-pitch effort to earn his first victory since May 23. The team plans to get its ace one more outing before hitting the break, setting Duffy up for a Sunday showdown on the road against the Dodgers and Clayton Kershaw.

Duffy (oblique) was activated from the 10-day disabled list and is starting Tuesday's game against the Mariners, Joel Goldberg of Fox Sports Kansas City reports.

EDGE Analysis

As expected, Duffy is back with the Royals ahead of his first major-league start since May 28. The 28-year-old compiled a solid 3.54 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 11 starts (68.2 innings) before landing on the disabled list with an oblique strain. His return should provide an extra boost to an already streaking Royals team, and the ace could line up for a second start before the All-Star break if Tuesday goes without any issues.

Duffy (oblique) is listed as the Royals' starter for Tuesday's game against the Mariners, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.

EDGE Analysis

Barring an unexpected setback in his recovery from the oblique strain that has sidelined him for about five weeks, Duffy will be back on the mound for the Fourth of July, about 2-to-3 weeks sooner than the Royals had initially predicted. The lefty looked strong in both of his minor-league rehab outings with Triple-A Omaha and covered four innings in his most recent turn June 29, so it's not expected that he'll face a cap on his pitch count in his return from the 10-day disabled list. If Duffy is able to make it out of the Tuesday start with no issue, he could line up for a second start this week in the Royals' final game before the All-Star break Sunday against the Dodgers, assuming manager Ned Yost elects to stick with a four-man rotation.

Duffy (oblique) is tentatively scheduled to start Tuesday's game against the Mariners, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.

EDGE Analysis

Duffy was supposed to be sidelined through the All-Star break with a Grade 1 oblique strain that he suffered at the end of May, but it appears he is recovering from the injury quicker than expected. He was able to get through his second minor-league rehab start on Thursday with no problems, essentially clearing the way for him to make his next start for the big club. The 28-year-old, who compiled a 3.54 ERA and 54 strikeouts in 11 starts (68.2 innings) before landing on the DL, is hoping to toss around 85-90 pitches in his return to the rotation.

Duffy (oblique) is set to make his next rehab start Thursday, Josh Klingler of 610 Sports Radio KCSP reports.

EDGE Analysis

Duffy has been out since late May with a Grade 1 oblique strain that will keep him sidelined until after the All-Star Game. There is a chance that he won't be ready to return after the break is over, but he appears to be making good progress during his rehab. During his first rehab start Saturday with Triple-A Omaha, the southpaw went two innings, allowing two hits and two earned runs with three strikeouts and one walk. The Royals are looking for Duffy to go a little longer this time around, and he will likely need a couple more outings before he is able to come back to the big leagues.

Duffy (oblique) is set to begin his rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

After going through the standard side sessions and bullpen sessions, Duffy is now ready for game action. He's been on the shelf since late-May with an oblique strain, so Duffy will likely need multiple rehab outings to build up his pitch count before returning to action. It still appears that Duffy won't be back before the All-Star break, but a return beforehand can't be entirely discounted with a rehab assignment starting roughly two weeks before the break.

Duffy (oblique) threw live batting practice Tuesday, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Duffy appears to be progressing right on schedule in his recovery plan. His next steps would likely involve a simulated game or a rehab assignment, although details on those plans have yet to be revealed by the team. The left-hander still appears to be on pace to return around the All-Star break.

Duffy (oblique) "felt fine" after throwing a bullpen session Friday according to manager Ned Yost, Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Duffy is scheduled to throw again Sunday, and if all goes well, he'll pitch to hitters Tuesday after the Royals return from their current road trip. So far, Duffy appears on track for a return around the All-Star break.