Manager Ned Yost announced on Monday that Wood would begin the season in the bullpen, Rustin Dodd of The Kansas City Star reports.

EDGE Analysis

Wood spent all of the 2016 season in the bullpen with the Cubs, posting a 2.95 ERA across 77 relief appearances. It was thought he might make the switch back to being a starter, a role he primarily occupied from 2010 to 2014, however he was beaten out for the last job by recently acquired Nathan Karns. The 30-year-old could see some starts if injuries hit the Royals' rotation, but he will likely spend the majority of the year in a relief role.