NEW YORK -- The Royals and manager Ned Yost will turn to left-hander Danny Duffy to patch together a back end of the rotation in turmoil.
Right-hander Dillon Gee will replace Chris Young, who went on the disabled list with a right forearm strain, in the rotation for Saturday's start. When right-hander Kris Medlen also landed on the DL on Thursday with rotator cuff inflammation, Yost needed a starter for Sunday's game at Kauffman Stadium against the Braves.
Enter Duffy, who has found a home in the bullpen with a 3.00 ERA in 16 outings. He will be asked to stretch out in a starting role again.
"We just like Danny," Yost said as to why he chose Duffy over another left-handed reliever, Brian Flynn.
Flynn likely will "piggy-back" on Duffy's start because Duffy will be on a 40-50 pitch limit.
"I'll just give them the best 40-50 pitches I can," Duffy said. "I'll try to be efficient, trying to make it feel like I'm pitching out of the bullpen. It's worked for me so far this year."

To prepare, Duffy said he will throw a bullpen on Friday, then rest Saturday.
"I'll just treat it pretty much the same as I always do," Duffy said. "A little side session [on Friday]. Just keep doing what I've been doing."
Duffy has found success in the bullpen once he began using his fastball almost exclusively. He's not sure he can do that in a starting role.
"Given the volume of pitches, I'll probably have to mix it up," Duffy said. "My slider has been pretty consistent lately and changeup has always been good. I'll just try to give them as many innings as I can. Not going to change the game plan."