Kansas City Royals: Opening Day starters over past decade

In the past ten Opening Days, the Royals have gone 2-8 against the White Sox, Tigers, Twins, Angels, and Mets. Outside of Duffy’s dud last year, Royals Opening Day starting pitchers have pitched fairly well given the circumstances, even if the results haven’t been there. Can Keller keep that up next week?

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Maybe. The White Sox are rebuilding, too.

The winner of that game may be unknown, but it’s probably safe to assume that whoever wins this opening series will not be in contention for a playoff spot come August. The Indians and Twins seem set for a two-team race in the American League Central with the White Sox, Tigers, and Royals bringing up the rear.

But Keller can use this season to continue to grow. Forget wins and losses in 2019. Focus on the peripherals. If Keller, along with Jakob Junis and the organization’s other young pitchers can continue to develop, then 2019 will not be all for naught.

Regardless, here’s to Brad Keller joining what is essentially an elite group in Yordano Ventura and Edinson Volquez. It’s tough to win Opening Day. Evidently it’s as tough as winning the pennant. After all, the Royals have done each the same number of times since the start of 2009.