Runelvys Hernandez, named the Royals' No. 2 starter a couple of weeks ago, will likely open the season in the minors after struggling Saturday against the Cubs.
The plan now is for Hernandez to be the fifth starter, meaning he'll pitch once in extended spring training and once for Triple-A Omaha before starting for the Royals on April 14. However, even that could change, since the Royals have been disappointed with Hernandez since he showed up out of weight. The adjustment means that Joe Mays will start the second game of the season. Denny Bautista, who was expected to be the No. 5 starter and begin the season in the minors, will start the fourth game behind Scott Elarton, Mays and Jeremy Affeldt.