Brian

Flynn

The previous report was that he had been released. Flynn is still technically a member of the Rangers organization, albeit on a non-guaranteed minor league contract, and he could potentially step into the bullpen mix if there is a positive COVID-19 test among the 60-man group that will be gathering next week in Arlington, Texas.

Flynn was in Rangers camp this spring on a minor league deal and has now been cut loose with MLB lifting the transaction freeze on Friday at noon ET. There will be many more moves coming throughout the weekend. Flynn, 30, struggled to a 5.22 ERA and 22/17 K/BB ratio in 29 1/3 innings last season with the Royals.

Flynn, 29, holds a career 4.41 ERA over 102 appearances -- seven starts -- at the big league level. He’ll likely begin 2020 at Triple-A Nashville as relief depth.

Flynn held a 5.22 ERA over 11 appearances this season after missing the first couple months with an elbow injury. He stands a good chance at clearing waivers.

Flynn drew the start when veteran righty Homer Bailey was abruptly scratched shortly before first pitch and traded to the Athletics. The 29-year-old left-hander gave up a run in the first inning and was tagged for six additional runs, without recording an out, in the third inning. He’ll likely return to a long relief role in the Royals bullpen. He owns a 5.18 ERA, 1.81 WHIP and 20/13 K/BB ratio in nine appearances (one start) at the big-league level this season.

Brian Flynn is taking the mound instead for Kansas City. The change came about 30 minutes before the scheduled first pitch at Kauffman Stadium. There should be an update on Bailey sometime Sunday afternoon.

The left-hander has yet to pitch in the majors this year after missing the first two months with an elbow injury. He has been an effective multi-inning reliever the last few seasons. He has a 4.26 ERA in 91 career games.

Flynn has missed the first four weeks of the 2019 regular season because of an elbow issue that popped up in the final week of spring training. He should be ready to join the Royals’ bullpen by early May.

Flynn came down with some minor elbow discomfort in the final week of spring training. The hope is that he could be a bullpen option by mid-April.

It doesn’t sound like anything overly serious, but Flynn has probably run out of time with Opening Day just one week away. This should clear the path for Kyle Zimmer to make the Royals’ major league roster.