The Royals pitching staff suffered another injury over the weekend with the loss of closer Mike MacDougal, who has a shoulder injury that will keep him on the shelf for at least six weeks. He felt a pain on Wednesday and had an MRI which revealed a probable muscle strain.

This marks the second time in three years that MacDougal has begun the season on the disabled list. He suffered from a stomach virus, which cost him the start of the 2003 season and eventually played most of the year in the minor leagues.
Last season he saved 21 games with a 3.33 ERA and was the team’s pitcher of the year.

Ambiorix Burgos is expected to make the move up from set-up man to closer.

Kansas City will start the season without starters Mark Redman, who is also injured, and Zack Greinke who is suffering from psychological problems. Redman is expected to be back sometime in mid-April.