Royals plan to develop Brandon Finnegan as a starter - MLB

Brandon Finnegan had a rapid rise to the majors, debuting for the Royals just three months after they drafted him 17th overall and making a big impact in the playoffs as a reliever.

However, long term the Royals still think he fits best as a starting pitcher and general manager Dayton Moore said the team plans to continue developing him that way:

We feel like it’s in his best interests and our best interests long term as an organization to develop him as a starter.

Finnegan was a starter at TCU, going 9-3 with a 2.04 ERA and 134/29 K/BB ratio in 106 innings there during his final season. He also began his pro career as starter at Single-A, but then shifted to the bullpen following a promotion to Double-A.

If they stick with him as a starter, Finnegan seems destined to begin this season in the minors.

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CHICAGO — Chicago White Sox outfielder Eloy Jimenez has a sprained right foot, likely sidelining the slugger for a pivotal season-ending series against the crosstown Cubs.

The White Sox had dropped a season-high five in a row heading into the weekend set, falling out of first place in the AL Central. They are hoping to get back on track heading into their playoff appearance since 2008, but the health of Jimenez is a concern.

Jimenez, who is batting .296 with 14 homers and 41 RBIs, was injured sliding across home in the seventh inning of Chicago’s 5-4 loss at Cleveland on Thursday. Manager Rick Renteria said the 23-year-old left fielder will need “to be off his feet” for a few days.

“There’s inflammation in there and they want to calm it down” Renteria said. “We’ll know more in a few days.”

The White Sox trailed the first-place Twins by a game heading into the series with the Cubs. They are just one ahead of the third-place Indians. The AL postseason begins on Tuesday.