Brad Keller, a Rule 5 pick the Royals rolled the dice on and worked his way into the starting rotation, is now the club’s opening day starter. He did it all in one year.
Manager Ned Yost announced on Tuesday that Keller, a right-hander entering his second season in the majors, will get the ball for the opener against the Chicago White Sox on March 28 in Kauffman Stadium.
Keller, 23, will be the second-youngest opening day starter in franchise history. The youngest was Steve Busby at 23 years, 189 days in 1973 (Keller will be 23 years, 244 days).