Danny Duffy surrendered five runs in six innings Friday in a loss to the Angels. Facing the Angels lineup is a particularly tough assignment for a left-hander, and Duffy ended up allowing his first two homers of the year to Mike Trout and Chris Iannetta. In fact, he hadn't allowed a single homer in the majors in 49 2/3 innings since returning from Tommy John surgery.

Danny Duffy carried a perfect game into the seventh inning Saturday as the Royals beat the Orioles 1-0. Duffy's shot at history was snapped in the top of the seventh, when Adam Jones singled up the middle. The left-hander yielded just two hits in all and did not issue a walk, watching his ERA fall to 1.42 and his WHIP drop to 0.83. Duffy, 25, should now have a secure rotation spot. He will take on the Angels in Anaheim next week.

Royals manager Ned Yost has indicated that, after Thursday, he won't need a fifth starter until May 17. An off day next Monday can afford Yost the opportunity to skip his fifth starter. That means Danny Duffy, who will make a second start Thursday in place of the injured Bruce Chen (back), could be headed back to the bullpen soon. However, general manager Dayton Moore noted that the club is "unsure about Bruce's timeline at this point," so Duffy might not remain in the bullpen long.

Danny Duffy tossed four innings of one-run ball in his first start of the season Saturday vs. Detroit. Duffy issued four walks, elevating his pitch count early. Kansas City's bullpen didn't help the cause after he left, allowing eight runs between the fifth and ninth frames as the Royals lost in a rout. Duffy has a cool 2.19 ERA on the year and could become relevant soon in mixed fantasy leagues.

Danny Duffy struck out four in two scoreless innings of relief to pick up a win against the Astros on Wednesday. Duffy probably isn't in the bullpen for good, but he could be an asset in relief for however long the Royals leave him there. He's pitched 4 1/3 innings, striking out seven, since his callup Saturday.

Royals recalled LHP Danny Duffy from Triple-A Omaha. After losing out in the battle to open the season as the Royals fifth starter, Duffy went down to Triple-A where he allowed two runs on five hits over six innings of work in his lone start. With the ability to work multiple innings, he'll provide depth in the Royals bullpen, and could push for a spot in the rotation should Bruce Chen continue to struggle.

The Royals held Danny Duffy out of his scheduled start at Triple-A Omaha on Friday, and could be an option to help out a struggling Royals bullpen. The young southpaw lost out on the fifth starter's battle in spring training to Yordano Ventura, but could be a valuable addition to the Royals bullpen if they decide to go that route. His fantasy value will remain minimal though until he rejoins the rotation.

Royals optioned LHP Danny Duffy to Triple-A Omaha. Duffy lost out to Yordano Ventura for the fifth starter role and Kansas City would probably prefer that he logs starter's innings at Triple-A instead of accruing service time in a bullpen that is already stellar. It won't take long for Duffy to visit The Plaza again, however. He'll be one of the first pitchers the Royals summon when reinforcements are needed.

Royals pitching coach Dave Eiland said the club doesn't view Danny Duffy as a "long-term bullpen guy." Duffy will compete for a spot in the bullpen after losing out to Yordano Ventura for the fifth starter role, but the team still believes the 25-year-old has a future as a starter. Duffy will likely earn a gig as the team's long reliever and could make some spot starts this season if needed.

Danny Duffy is now competing for a bullpen job. The Royals named 22-year-old flame-thrower Yordano Ventura their No. 5 starter on Monday night after he threw six scoreless innings against the Rangers. Duffy has struggled in Cactus League play, and will now have to prove himself worthy of a long-relief job. His draft-day fantasy value is shot.