Junis has worked on a cutter and changeup this offseason, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reported.

EDGE Analysis

Junis is known for his slider, which has dominated his pitch mix the last few seasons. However, he's struggled with his fastball and had inconsistent overall results so a new pitch would theoretically help keep opposing batters more off balance. Junis will be competing for a role in the Royals' rotation throughout spring training.

Junis agreed to a one-year, $1.7 million contract with the Royals on Tuesday, avoiding arbitration, Mark Feinsand of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This was his first year as an arbitration-eligible player. Junis logged a 6.39 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 19 strikeouts in 25.1 innings (eight appearances, six starts) last season. He gave up seven home runs in that small sample and will likely pitch in a swing man or long reliever role in 2021.

Junis was recalled from the alternate training site Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

The 28-year-old was demoted after allowing five runs during a spot start last week, but he'll rejoin the active roster with five games left in the season. According to Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com, Junis will be utilized in short stints as a reliever down the stretch.

The Royals optioned Junis to their alternate training site Wednesday.

EDGE Analysis

The demotion comes after Junis was called on to make a spot start Tuesday in place of Danny Duffy, who missed the Royals' flight to Detroit. He lasted 2.1 innings in the 6-0 loss to the Tigers, giving up five runs on seven hits and a walk. Unless the Royals place a player on the injured list and bring Junis back in a corresponding move, his 2020 season could be over.

Junis (0-2) pitched 2.1 innings on Tuesday, allowing five runs on seven hits and a walk, as the Royals fell 6-0 to the Tigers. He struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

Junis labored through 42 pitches (25 for strikes) and watched his season ERA buoy to 6.94. Junis had not given up more than two runs in any start this season prior to now getting roughed up in his previous two appearances (10 ER allowed). He is currently lined up to start versus the Cardinals early next week.

Junis gave up five runs on seven hits with three strikeouts and zero walks over 4.1 innings during Tuesday's win over the Indians. He didn't qualify for the decision.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander served up homers in each of the first three frames, matching his total for home runs allowed in his previous four starts in 2020. Junis has a 5.57 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 14:5 K:BB over 21 innings and should next face the Pirates on Sunday.

Junis (biceps/triceps) is listed as the Royals' probable starter for Tuesday's game against the Indians.

EDGE Analysis

Junis' inclusion on the Royals' pitching schedule for the series in Cleveland suggests he's feeling fine after he was removed early as a precaution in his last start Sept. 2, when he was struck in the right arm by a line drive. Since making his 2020 debut Aug. 2, Junis hasn't worked more than five innings in any start, which has played a factor in him settling for a no-decisions in three of his four outings.

Junis made a precautionary exit from Wednesday's game against the Indians after being hit by a line drive between the biceps and triceps of his right arm, Alec Lewis of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

The liner was 106.9 mph off the bat, leaving the right-hander minimal time to react. Junis allowed two runs on four hits with one strikeout and zero walks over four innings before leaving the contest. The 27-year-old's status for the next turn through the rotation should receive more clarity as he continues to be evaluated.

Junis did not factor into the decision during Wednesday's loss to the Cardinals, giving up two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out six across 3.2 innings.

EDGE Analysis

Junis, making just his third start of the year after dealing with back spasms, faced a lighter work load in his return, though he still managed to strike out a season-high six batters in the process. The 27-year-old has given up two runs in each of his starts, bringing his ERA to 4.26 and WHIP to 1.58. He'll look to earn his first win Tuesday against Cleveland.

Junis (back) was reinstated from the 10-day injured list and will start Wednesday against the Cardinals.

EDGE Analysis

Junis was sidelined while he dealt with back spasms, but he'll be ready to start Wednesday's contest. He won't require an opener, although it's unclear whether he'll face any limitations with his workload. Prior to his injury, the right-hander posted a 4.00 ERA and 4:4 K:BB over nine innings during his two starts. Right-hander Chance Adams was optioned to the Royals' alternate training site in a corresponding move.