The Kansas City Royals will use rookie left-hander Austin Cox as their opener on Thursday against the Boston Red Sox, with rookie right-hander Alec Marsh serving as the bulk reliever. Cox will be making only his 16th major-league appearance in Thursday's series finale. The 26-year-old recently picked up his first career save and will now make his third career "start." In his 27 2/3 innings, Cox has allowed 11 earned runs on 18 hits while walking 14 and striking out 23. He'll only be in the game for a few innings, at most, so he's not an option as a fantasy streamer. Marsh, meanwhile, is still looking for his first win of the year in seven outings (six starts). The 25-year-old has given up 22 runs (21 earned) on 30 hits (10 homers) while walking 17 and fanning 32 in his first 28 big-league innings. Fantasy managers should also avoid him.

Kansas City Royals southpaw Austin Cox will make Wednesday's start against Logan Allen and the Cleveland Guardians, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. The rookie hurler has pitched 12.1 innings so far this season, all out of the bullpen, and has yet to give up a run while striking out 13 and walking four. Cox has experience as a starting pitcher and started eight games this year for Triple-A. Fantasy managers looking for rotation help may want to take a chance on the 26-year-old and hope he stays hot, especially against a lowly Guardians lineup.