Zack Greinke, much like Albert Pujols, is right back where his career began.
The Kansas City Royals signed their former ace to a one-year, $13 million deal that includes $2 million in performance bonuses shortly after the end of the lockout.
And it appears that Greinke is about to return to a familiar role with Kansas City.
Now once again the ace of the Royals’ pitching staff, Greinke is set to make the Opening Day start for the team.
The Royals will open up at home on Thursday, April 7, when they play host to their AL central division rivals, the Cleveland Guardians.
Zack Greinke will start Opening Day for the #Royals.
— Anne Rogers (@anne__rogers) March 30, 2022
An Ace Returns Home
Greinke is back in Kansas City, and he’s already returned to a familiar role.
He is no stranger to being the ace of a staff.
Greinke was drafted in 2002 and came up to the big leagues with the Royals in 2004.
He was later traded over to the Milwaukee Brewers prior to the 2011 season.
The 38-year-old right-hander had a brief stint with the Los Angeles Angels before spending time with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Arizona Diamondbacks, and Houston Astros.
Greinke went 11-6 with the Astros in 2021, posting a 4.16 ERA.
With him back in Kansas City, things have come full circle for the right-hander and the Royals.
The Royals have also made some strides to improve their pitching staff, trading for Amir Garrett in addition to signing Greinke.
Perhaps the pieces are coming together for Mike Matheny‘s ballclub.
This year may not be their year, but if there’s one guy who can help lead the youth movement in the right direction, Greinke would be it, given his familiarity with the Royals.
We’ll see how he does in his first year back with his old team.
NEXT: Top MLB Prospect Already Looking Like Mike Trout