KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Rehabbing left-hander Danny Duffy threw four innings of one-run ball for Triple A Omaha on Tuesday night, the first of four rehab starts with Omaha.
Royals manager Ned Yost said Kansas City is aiming for Duffy's last start to be June 24, when he is slated to throw six to seven innings and 100 pitches. He is also scheduled to pitch June 14 and go four to five innings and 60 pitches, and June 19 to throw five to six innings and 80 to 85 pitches.
That would put Duffy on track to rejoin the Royals in late June, possibly for their series against the Astros. Yost has said before that Kansas City would make room for Duffy in the rotation.
"He's got to throw good," Yost said. "If he's not throwing good, I'm not putting him back in the rotation. If he's throwing good and doing what I fully expect him to do, yeah, he's going back in the rotation."
The Royals could recall Duffy at any point during his rehab stint but would like to ease him back to 100 pitches before activating him. Yost said an injury could force the Royals to recall Duffy.
One more day
The Royals will wait one more day before deciding on a backup catcher, a battle between Erik Kratz and Drew Butera. Kratz completed his rehab assignment with Omaha on Tuesday night.
The club can wait one more day before either activating Kratz or designating him for assignment because of a Major League Baseball rule that allows for a travel day after a rehab stint.
Both Butera and Kratz are out of options, meaning the Royals would risk losing one to waivers if designated for assignment. Kansas City acquired Butera from the Angels last month after he was designated for assignment by Los Angeles. He has started four games.
Holland and Davis unlikely
Relievers Wade Davis and Greg Holland are probably unavailable Wednesday night after pitching the previous three nights, all Royals wins.
"I don't see any way we can do that," Yost said.
Kelvin Herrera, who typically pitches the seventh inning, would likely assume closer duties if the scenario presents itself Wednesday.
You can follow Matthew DeFranks on Twitter at @MDeFranks or email him at matthew.defranks@gmail.com.
