Lynch’s Return to the Rotation Falters in Royals’ 6-4 Loss to Cubs

Lynch’s 1.2-inning outing raises fresh doubt about whether the Royals can keep him stretched out as a starter after Luinder Avila’s season-ending Tommy John surgery.

Overview

Daniel Lynch IV made his first true start since 2024 on Aug. 7 and lasted only 1.2 innings in a 6-4 loss at Kauffman Stadium.
Lynch surrendered three hits and issued two walks, and a costly Michael Massey throwing error in the second inning helped produce multiple runs charged to Lynch.
The Cubs debuted newly acquired right-hander Kevin Gausman in the same game, and Gausman limited Kansas City while Chicago’s offense added insurance runs later.
The Royals have said they plan to stretch Lynch out and keep him in the rotation for the rest of the year, but his uneven debut and thin depth make that plan tentative.
With Luinder Avila lost for the season to Tommy John surgery and top internal options not ready, the club faces short-term pressure to find innings and may shift Lynch back to relief if starts continue to falter.