Manager Mike Matheny said Thursday that Lynch will open the season as the Royals' No. 5 starter, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Lynch won out in the battle for the final spot in the rotation over Brady Singer, who is expected to fill a hybrid role out of the bullpen. The 25-year-old lefty earned his place in the rotation despite an uneven spring in which he surrendered four home runs and struck out seven over 12.1 innings. Lynch is set to make his first start of the season Tuesday in St. Louis and lines up for a two step, with his second turn of the week coming next Sunday at home versus Detroit.