Royals activated LHP Danny Duffy from the 60-day disabled list; optioned him to Triple-A Omaha. Duffy is almost fully recovered from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery but needs to build arm strength down in the minors. He could become a rotation option for the Royals soon after the mid-July All-Star break.

Danny Duffy (elbow) allowed six runs on seven hits and two walks over just 2 1/3 innings in his first rehab start for Triple-A Omaha on Monday. Duffy posted a 4.22 ERA and struck out 15 over 10 2/3 innings in his first three rehab starts, but he was obviously off in this one. The left-hander is on track to return in late June but will need to improve his results before the Royals add him to the big league rotation.

Danny Duffy (elbow) will move his rehab assignment up to Triple-A Omaha on Monday. Duffy posted a 4.22 ERA while striking out 15 over 10 2/3 innings in three starts for Double-A Northwest Arkansas. The left-hander could be an option for the Royals' rotation before the end of the month.

Royals transferred LHP Danny Duffy from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list. Duffy is still on his way back from Tommy John reconstructive elbow surgery and probably won't be ready until late June or early July. This transfer affects nothing.

Danny Duffy (elbow) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Sunday. He'll throw 60 pitches for the Naturals. Making his way back from Tommy John surgery, Duffy will surely require the full 30 days on his rehab assignment. Assuming the results are there and his arm strength is back, he should be added to the Royals' rotation in late June. The left-hander is worth stashing on the DL if you have the roster space.

Danny Duffy (elbow) threw 20 pitches in an extended spring training game on Saturday. It was Duffy's second game appearance in extended spring as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery. The Royals are hopeful that the lefty will be able to throw five innings on the anniversary date of his surgery (June 13), though it will be later than that before he's ready to join the rotation.

Royals placed LHP Danny Duffy on the 15-day disabled list with a left elbow injury. Duffy will be out until midseason as he works his way back from Tommy John surgery. He's a high-upside arm, but we probably shouldn't expect much from him again until 2014.

Danny Duffy (elbow) completed a 30-pitch throwing session Tuesday without incident. Duffy said he "felt good" and hasn't reported any setbacks in his throwing program. If all goes well, he should be ready to return around midseason.

Danny Duffy (elbow) threw off a mound Tuesday for the first time since Tommy John surgery last June. It wasn't much, as Duffy threw a total 18 pitches, but it was a big step for the 24-year-old southpaw. If all goes well, he figures to be ready to return around midseason.

Danny Duffy (elbow) will throw off a mound Tuesday for the first time since undergoing Tommy John surgery last June. It will only be a 20-pitch soft-toss session, but it's certainly a step in the right direction. Duffy will likely return sometime around the All-Star break if his recovery goes smoothly. The southpaw has the talent to become a mixed league option in the second half, but he probably won't be back to his regular self until 2014.