Jakob Junis

Royals recall Junis to start Game 1, DFA Alburquerque

Published May. 21, 2017 12:21 p.m. ET

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The Kansas City Royals recalled Jake Junis from Triple-A Omaha because they need a starter for the first game of their true doubleheader Sunday against the Twins, and they decided they don't need reliever Al Alburquerque at all.

The club designated Alburquerque for assignment.

Junis, 24, made his major league debut in April. He has pitched twice for the Royals, both times in relief. The right-hander earned a win in his second appearance, May 9 at Tampa Bay, before being returned to Omaha. The club sees Junis as a starter and wanted him to return to that role. He is 1-2 with a 3.07 ERA in five starts for the Storm Chasers this season.

He'll get a starting opportunity at 1:15 p.m. Sunday when the Royals play the first of two games against the Twins after a rainout Saturday. Ian Kennedy, originally scheduled to start Saturday, will start the second game.

Alburquerque pitched four innings in relief for Kansas City this season, striking out six but fashioning a 6.75 ERA.

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Jakob Junis

Kansas City Royals

Major League Baseball