NEW YORK -- Rookie right-hander Miguel Almonte will make his first Major League start on Thursday afternoon against a very special team in a very special place: Yankee Stadium.
"That was my favorite team growing up," Almonte said through interpreter Pedro Grifol. "Alex Rodriguez was my favorite player."
Royals manager Ned Yost named Almonte his starter on Wednesday -- the same day right-hander Nathan Karns (forearm soreness) was placed on the 10-day disabled list. Thursday would have been Karns' spot in the rotation.
Outfielder Alex Gordon, back from paternity leave, took Karns' spot on the 25-man roster.