The Royals have named Luke Hochevar the opening day starter March 31st at Kaufmann against the Angels. The rest of the rotations will have left-hander Jeff Francis, Kyle Davies and Bruce Chen with Vin Mazzaro becoming the fifth starter and Sean O’Sullivan coming out of the bullpen.
Hochevar was 6-6 with a 4.81 ERA and missed over two months with an elbow strain. Manager Ned Yost had Hochevar pegged for this start after the team traded Zack Greinke. Hochevar was the first overall pick in 2006. As far as Mazzaro, the team won’t need a fifth starter until April 16th. Mazzaro will stay in Arizona for extended spring training until he is needed.
O’Sullivan who came over in a trade from the L.A. Angels went 3-6 with a 6.11 ERA in 13 starts and lost the battle for the fifth spot with Mazzaro.
