The Kansas City Royals reunited with a familiar face this offseason when they signed free agent starting pitcher Zack Greinke to a one-year contract worth $13 million. Unsurprisingly, the Royals announced that the veteran right-hander would lead their young rotation as the Opening Day starter when the team takes on the Cleveland Guardians on April 7. Greinke made MLB history in the process, as reported by MLB.com.
The right-handed Greinke last took the bump for the Royals opener on April 5, 2010, and the 12-year gap in Opening Day starts for one team is the largest in baseball history, per the Elias Sports Bureau.
Greinke, who was drafted sixth overall by the Royals in 2002, toed the rubber for the club's opener in 2010, making the 12-year gap between Opening Day starts the largest in baseball history for a player on the same team, per the Elias Sports Bureau.
Not only did Greinke make MLB history but franchise history as well. The 38-year-old surpassed Tim Belcher, who was 36, as the Royals' oldest Opening Day starter.
The right-hander made a name for himself in Kansas City, winning a Cy Young award in 2009. He has made six All-Star teams while pitching to a 3.41 ERA along with 219 career wins in 18 seasons.
Greinke is still an innings-eater, as he tossed 171 frames last season for the Houston Astros. His veteran arm will be invaluable as the Royals attempt to sneak their way into the postseason in 2022.
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