Danny Duffy to miss 6-8 weeks with Grade 1 oblique strain

Per MLB.com Kansas City Royals beat reporter Jeffrey Flanagan, left-handed starting pitcher Danny Duffy is going on the disabled list with a Grade 1 oblique strain. He is expected to miss about 6-8 weeks of playing time.

Duffy suffered the injury while covering first base on his start Sunday night. After signing a five-year, $65 million extension before spring training, Duffy started 11 games this season with a 3.54 ERA and a 3.43 FIP in 68.2 innings.

The Royals have already sent two other players to the DL this season due to an oblique injury. Jorge Soler, acquired from the Chicago Cubs in the offseason for closer Wade Davis, strained his oblique the last week of March and made his Royals debut the first week of May. Hunter Dozier, one of Kansas City’s top prospects who made his MLB debut last September, injured his oblique the first week in April and is currently rehabbing for the Omaha Storm Chasers.

At this point, it is unclear whether Duffy will be sent to the 10-day DL or the 60-day DL. If Duffy is sent to the 60-day DL, he will be unable to return to the big league club before 60 days if his rehab goes well, but it will open a spot on the 40-man roster.

Royals prospect Eric Skoglund will make his MLB debut Tuesday against the Detroit Tigers, starting in place of the injured Nate Karns, who is not expected back until next week. Skoglund may be an option to take Duffy’s rotation spot going forward, and he will need to be added to the 40-man roster, which currently has one open spot. Other options include Chris Young, Travis Wood, or Mike Minor, all of whom are on the 25-man roster as bullpen arms, or minor leaguers Jake Junis, Miguel Almonte, or Josh Staumont. The Royals will make an official roster announcement for Duffy and Skoglund tomorrow.