KANSAS CITY, Mo. — When Travis Wood signed a two-year, $12 million contract on Feb. 15, it was with the caveat that he would be given an opportunity to compete for a Kansas City Royals starting job.
Nate Karns won the three-man spring training competition for the final rotation slot over Wood and Chris Young, who was released in June. Karns is on the 60-day disabled list with a forearm injury.
Wood will make his first Royals start Sunday for the series finale against the Minnesota Twins.
“When we signed Travis Wood, this was the scenario; he competed for a starting spot out of spring training,” Royals manager Ned Yost said.