Randy Dobnak set for second Royals start vs. Tigers
Randy Dobnak is lined up to make his second straight start for the Kansas City Royals on Thursday against the Detroit Tigers in Detroit. The 31-year-old right-hander owns a 1.93 ERA over 14 innings since his July 1 call-up and is filling rotation innings after Stephen Kolek joined Kris Bubic on the 60-day injured list.
Key Takeaways
- Dobnak starts Thursday at Detroit in his second consecutive turn as a Royals starter.
- He owns a 1.93 ERA and 1.50 WHIP with a 7:8 strikeout-to-walk mark in 14 innings across three appearances.
- In Saturday's 6-1 win over San Diego, he allowed one run over 4.1 innings with four walks and three strikeouts in a no-decision.
- Injuries to Kolek (forearm) and Bubic (elbow/shoulder) on the 60-day IL give him more rotation leash.
- CBS Sports notes he is effectively getting a third turn after a prior 5.2-inning bulk-relief outing.
When does Randy Dobnak pitch next?
According to CBS Sports, Dobnak is slated to start Thursday's game against the Tigers in Detroit. It will be his second straight appearance as a starter for Kansas City.
He is effectively receiving a third turn through the rotation after covering 5.2 innings in bulk relief in the outing before his last start. For more team and player updates, check BlasterPost's celebrity breaking news hub.
How did Dobnak fare in his first start this week?
In Saturday's contest against the Padres, Dobnak allowed one earned run on four hits and four walks while striking out three over 4.1 innings. The Royals won 6-1, though he recorded a no-decision.
FantasyPros reported that he allowed eight hard-hit balls and generated 11 whiffs on 96 pitches. Control was the main issue, but he limited damage enough to keep Kansas City in position for the win.
NBC Sports also noted the one-run outing over 4 1/3 innings and pointed to a 5.02 xFIP, a sign that the sparkling ERA may be tough to sustain if the walk rate stays elevated.
Why does this start matter for the Royals?
Kansas City needs reliable innings. Stephen Kolek (forearm) recently joined Kris Bubic (elbow/shoulder) on the 60-day injured list, opening a clearer path for Dobnak in the rotation.
Called up from Triple-A Omaha on July 1, the 31-year-old righty has posted strong early results with a 1.93 ERA and 1.50 WHIP. CBS Sports says he should have a decent amount of leash while the club waits on injured starters.
Walks remain the watch item heading into Detroit, given his 7:8 strikeout-to-walk ratio over those 14 innings. Still, a pitcher with a sub-2.00 ERA and a confirmed next start is a story fantasy managers and Royals fans are tracking closely this week.
If Dobnak can trim the free passes against the Tigers, he strengthens his case to stick as a rotation piece. If not, Kansas City may still lean on him for length until Kolek or Bubic can return from the 60-day IL.