Royals likely to recall Duffy to start in twin bill

KANSAS CITY -- Left-hander Danny Duffy looks like the Royals' choice to pitch one of the two games at Detroit on Friday, although no announcement has been made.

Duffy would be recalled from Triple-A Omaha as the 26th player allowed on the roster for the day-night doubleheader, part of the five-game series against the Tigers beginning on Thursday.

The only pitchers announced for Friday are the Royals' James Shields and the Tigers' Justin Verlander, but which game they will pitch has not been specified.

It's speculated that the Tigers will call up left-hander Jose Alvarez from Triple-A Toledo for a Friday start. He's made four starts this year for the Tigers, going 1-2 with a 5.03 ERA. For the Mud Hens, he's 8-6 with a 2.79 ERA in 20 starts.