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Randy Dobnak Has Been a Surprise Story on the 2026 Royals

The Kansas City Royals entered the 2026 season in hopes of writing the wrongs of the 2025 season and recapturing the euphoric feeling they felt the year prior in their surprise run to the ALDS. However, much like last season…

Published: Thursday, 24 September 2026 at 1:26 PM
Randy Dobnak Has Been a Surprise Story on the 2026 Royals
Key Things to Know
  • The Kansas City Royals acquired pitcher Randy Dobnak from the Seattle Mariners for cash considerations in June 2026.
  • Dobnak has posted a 3.08 ERA after stepping into the Royals' starting rotation.
  • The Royals hold a 68-90 record following numerous Tommy John surgeries to their pitching staff.
The Story in 60 Seconds

Right-handed pitcher Randy Dobnak has emerged as a reliable starter for the Kansas City Royals during the 2026 Major League Baseball season. After acquiring him from the Seattle Mariners for cash considerations in mid-June, Kansas City called upon the 31-year-old to address extensive rotation injuries. Dobnak has posted a 3.08 ERA in his first regular major league starting opportunity since the 2020 campaign.

Dobnak's emergence comes amid a disappointing 68-90 season for the Royals, who lost key rotation arms Cole Ragans, Stephen Kolek, and Luinder Avila to Tommy John surgery. Depth pitchers Ryan Bergert and Ben Kudrna were also sidelined by the same procedure. Dobnak could serve as a rotation depth option for the Royals heading into 2027.

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