Jake Junis to the disabled list

The Royals have placed right-handed pitcher Jakob Junis on the 10-day disabled list with lower back inflammation and have called up right-handed pitcher Glenn Sparkman. Junis was scheduled to pitch the series finale against the Red Sox on Sunday, but instead that starting assignment will go to right-hander Heath Fillmyer.

Junis had struggled in his last five starts, giving up 29 runs in 27 innings, including 12 home runs. Overall he has an ERA of 5.13 with a FIP of 5.47 and he leads all of baseball in home runs given up with 24. Junis got off to a terrific start, so the Royals would be wise to handle him with kid gloves, as he is one of the few young bright spots this season for the team.…