Randy Dobnak is making a case to remain in Royals' starting rotation. Here's how

Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star on Aug 16, 2026

Published in Baseball

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Kansas City Royals starter Randy Dobnak continues to be a bright spot for the club’s starting pitching rotation this season.

On Saturday, Dobnak didn’t allow a run across 5 2/3 innings against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. He allowed four hits and struck out six batters on the short end of a 1-0 loss.

Dobnak avoided trouble until his final inning. In the sixth he allowed a single to Angels first baseman Nolan Schanuel and walked shortstop Zach Neto. Both baserunners were aboard when Royals manager Matt Quatraro opted to dip into his bullpen.

Quatraro inserted new KC reliever Craig Kimbrel into the game. He faced Angels outfielder Josh Lowe; a loud flyout ended the inning.

Dobnak took a no-decision. He threw 59 of 93 pitches for strikes while generating 46 swings and 13 whiffs, per Baseball Savant. His changeup was effective against the Angels’ lineup.

Dobnak threw 29 changeups Saturday. He recorded half of his strikeouts with the offspeed pitch, getting Neto swinging to end the third inning.

Since joining the Royals, Dobnak sports a 1.73 ERA in eight games (six starts). But his teammates provided him no run support Saturday. KC struggled against Angels starter Reid Detmers through eight innings.

The Angels lefty recorded 11 strikeouts. He pounded the strike zone, with the Royals managing just two hits.

Detmers retired the first 11 batters he faced. Royals first baseman Jac Caglianone snapped the streak with a two-out single for KC’s first hit.

Caglianone extended his own hitting streak to 13 games. He leads the majors in several categories in August, including hits, RBIs and OPS (on-base plus slugging).

Both teams’ starters held their own in Saturday’s pitcher’s duel.

Detmers rectified the outcome of his first start against the Royals — in which he allowed three earned runs — with a stellar performance. And Dobnak continued to make a case to remain in the Royals’ rotation in 2027.

As a result, Saturday’s game came down to the bullpens. Kimbrel pitched 1 1/3 scoreless innings while getting a terrific diving catch from Tyler Tolbert in center field.

Hard-throwing Royals reliever Nate Pearson surrendered an RBI single to Schanuel in the eighth inning. The decisive run came after Pearson issued a leadoff walk to outfielder Wade Meckler to begin the frame.

Meckler stole second base and scored on the play. Schanuel continued to see the Royals’ pitching well, as he recorded three hits.

The Royals failed to respond in the ninth inning. Angels reliever Ben Joyce retired the bottom of the lineup in order to earn the save.

The Angels’ win evened the weekend series. The deciding game awaits Sunday.

What’s next: Royals left-hander Noah Cameron (6-8, 4.45 ERA) will start Sunday afternoon opposite Angels right-hander Ryan Johnson (2-6, 6.71 ERA). First pitch is set for 3:07 p.m. Central Time.