Best Opening Day starts in Kansas City Royals history

DETROIT, MI - APRIL 04: A detailed view of the ceremonial Opening Day logo home plate used during the pre-game ceremonies prior to the game between the Detroit Tigers and the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park on April 4, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan. The Tigers defeated the Royals 5-4. (Photo by Mark Cunningham/MLB Photos via Getty Images) /

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Starting pitcher Brad Keller #56 of the Kansas City Royals pitches during the opening day game (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Kansas City Royals Best Opening Day Starts – No. 3: Brad Keller (2019)

The Royals were looking to rebound from their worst season since 2005 and gave the ball to Brad Keller on Opening Day in 2019. Keller had just joined the team the previous year and was initially used out of the bullpen, but found his way into the rotation due to injuries to other starters.

Keller remained in the rotation for the rest of his rookie year and was the easy pick to have as the team’s starter in their first game of the season. It was a wise decision too, as Keller threw seven scoreless innings while conceding just two hits and striking out five. It truly was a performance for the ages.

The Royals defeated the White Sox 5-3 and all seemed good in the world for that day. Unfortunately, the rest of the season didn’t pan out well for the Royals, as they once again dropped 100 games.

Keller also struggled through 165.1 innings of work and his final ERA for 2019 was 4.19. He rebounded nicely in 2020 and the hope is that Keller will continue to be the ace the Royals know he can be as he continues his career in the major leagues.

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