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A year after landing Brad Keller, Royals unable to repeat success in Rule 5 draft

Kansas City Royals manager Ned Yost reacts to Sunday's 6-3 loss to the Chicago White Sox. Pitcher Chris Ellis described what it was like to make his major-league debut. Ellis pitched a scoreless ninth inning on March 31, 2019. By

The first player to throw a pitch for the Royals this season arrived in Kansas City via a unique route. Brad Keller was plucked from the Rule 5 draft, a long shot turned opening day starter in one year’s time.

The encore: 0 for 2.

With the promotion of Homer Bailey to the big-league rotation Wednesday, the Royals designated Rule 5 pick Chris Ellis for assignment.