Left-handed pitcher Danny Duffy, 0-3 with a 13.03 ERA in three starts this month, was placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to May 17 with biceps tendinitis, the team announced Monday.
Duffy, scratched from Saturday’s start against the Cardinals because of shoulder stiffness, was pushed back to Tuesday against the Yankees but instead will now be eligible to come off the DL on June 1.
Left-hander Brandon Finnegan, 22, was recalled from Triple-A Omaha to fill the roster spot. Finnegan is 1-0 with a 2.70 ERA in four reilef appearances with the Royals this season.
Duffy was limited at the end of the 2014 season because of a shoulder issue. He made only three starts in September and three postseason appearances, all in relief.
He is 2-3 with a 5.87 ERA in eight starts this season for the first-place Royals (28-15), who have the best record in baseball.
In an unrelated move, Royals oufielder Alex Rios, on the DL since April 14 with a broken left hand, has been sent to Omaha on a rehab assignment.