Hendriks tossed three shutout innings of relief on Saturday, allowing just one hit and striking out three. He's been solid in long relief for the Jays, posting a 3.46 ERA and 14:2 K:BB ratio in 13 innings so far. If he keeps dealing, Hendriks could put himself next in line for a spot in the Toronto rotation should a spot open up.

Hendriks struck out three in 1.2 innings of work in Tuesday's 3-2 loss to the Rays. Coming into the season, it was unclear what kind of role Hendriks would have, but through three appearances, he has shown a strong ability to strike batters out while avoiding giving up the home runs he had previously. For a pitcher with a strikeout per nine ratio that's never crossed seven, his 13.5 strikeouts per nine innings almost assuredly won't last, but if he can keep the ball in the ballpark and continue striking batters out, he may have some value in deeper leagues.

Hendriks has made the Blue Jackets' Opening Day roster, Mike Wilner of Sportsnet.ca reports. The Blue Jays already have one long man on hand in Marco Estrada, so it might be difficult for Hendriks to carve out a role out of the bullpen. The right-hander compiled a 5.23 ERA and 1.37 WHIP across nine appearances with the Royals and Blue Jays a season ago.

The Royals designated Hendriks for assignment Friday. A spot on the 40-man roster had to be freed up with Moises Sierra coming aboard via a waiver claim from the White Sox, and Hendriks was the casualty. The 25-year-old Hendriks struggled in nine appearances (six starts) between Toronto and Kansas City this season, posting a 5.23 ERA and 1.37 WHIP over 32.2 innings, but he was much better at the Triple-A level (2.45 ERA, 0.96 WHIP).

Hendriks gave up four earned runs on seven hits and a walk in three innings Tuesday against the White Sox. Despite remaining in the rotation, Hendriks has not fared well, especially from a fantasy standpoint, as he hasn't lasted longer than four innings in any of his last three starts. He will now disappear off the fantasy map for the rest of the season, as Danny Duffy is healthy enough to take back his spot in the rotation, leaving Hendriks with a low-leverage bullpen role.

Hendriks will start Tuesday's game against the White Sox, the Kansas City Star reports. Hendriks will get a third straight turn in the rotation despite two relatively average outings earlier this month. He lasted only 2.1 innings September 11 versus Boston and surrendered three earned runs on seven hits in 4.0 innings September 6 in New York. On the season, Henriks holds a 5.06 ERA in 26.2 major league innings.

Hendriks lasted just 2.1 innings against Boston on Thursday, allowing three runs -- two earned -- and four hits. He issued two walks and struck out one, tossing 65 pitches. Hendriks was pulled in the third inning after allowing an RBI single to Will Middlebrooks. Reliever Casey Coleman bailed out Hendriks from further damage, getting a double play ball with the bases loaded. Hendriks was filling in for Danny Duffy (shoulder), so whether or not he makes another start will depend on Duffy's status. If Duffy is unable to go in his next turn, and the Royals don't seek out an alternative, Hendriks would be lined up to start at home against the White Sox.

Hendriks will likely replace Danny Duffy (shoulder) in the Royals' rotation, the Kansas City Star's Andy McCullough reports. The Royals are sending Duffy for an MRI, and he's expected to miss at least one start. Hendriks tossed four innings in relief of Duffy on Saturday, after Duffy's left following his first pitch of the first inning, and allowed four runs -- three earned -- while striking out three.

Hendriks was recalled from Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Tuesday. Hendriks made a dazzling spot start in place of Yordano Ventura last week, covering seven innings and yielding one run on four hits and no walks. While he'll be ticketed for long relief upon rejoining the big club, he'll likely be the first man up to join the rotation in the event of another injury to a starter.

Hendriks was optioned to Double-A Northwest Arkansas on Thursday. Filling in for Yordano Ventura (back) on Wednesday, Hendriks gave up just one run on four hits and zero walk, while striking out five over seven innings, in a no-decision against the Twins. Since he wasn't going to be available for several days anyway, the Royals went ahead and sent Hendriks to the minors to clear room for Scott Downs (neck), but Hendriks can return as soon as next Tuesday.