Cruz is slated to open Saturday's game against the Yankees.
Analysis: He'll be operating as an opener for the second weekend in a row, after he had previously worked an inning in last Sunday's contest versus the Astros before giving way to bulk reliever Alec Marsh. The Royals haven't formally named a bulk reliever for Saturday's contest, but Marsh is available on five days' rest and should end up covering most of the innings out of the bullpen once Cruz exits the contest.
Steven Cruz Opener assignment Sunday
Cruz will serve as the opening pitcher in Sunday's game against the Astros, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.
Analysis: Alec Marsh is lined up to work in bulk relief. Cruz, 24, has allowed four earned runs on seven hits and eight walks over his first 8.2 major-league innings this season and hasn't thrown more than 39 pitches in a single outing.
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