The Royals found a temporary solution for the logjam in their starting rotation when the team placed struggling starter Danny Duffy on the 15-day disabled list because of biceps tendonitis.
Duffy received a cortisone shot for his stiff left shoulder on Friday, but his arm did not respond in time to be ready for a start on Tuesday. In his place, the team will insert Jason Vargas, who is returning from a strained flexor muscle that placed him on the shelf for all of May.
The Royals also recalled rookie southpaw Brandon Finnegan for Monday’s game against the Yankees.