Bruce Chen tossed six scoreless innings in his season debut Friday against the Angels, but was handed a no-decision. Ned Yost's selection of Chen as the Royals' Opening Day starter was largely mocked, but the veteran southpaw made him look good on this night. He allowed just three hits (two of them singles) while fanning four and walking none. Chen should have value again in AL-only leagues this season, but those looking for a repeat of his 3.77 ERA from last year will probably be disappointed.

Bruce Chen will start Opening Day against the Angels on April 6. We're a little surprised Luke Hochevar didn't get the nod, but Chen is being rewarded after posting a 3.77 ERA over 25 starts last season. The veteran southpaw is expected to be followed by Hochevar and Jonathan Sanchez, who are more interesting from a fantasy perspective.

Bruce Chen finally posted a decent spring start Tuesday, allowing three runs on seven hits and a walk over six innings against the Brewers. He gave up two more homers, which is a common theme for him, but also recorded six strikeouts. Chen came into the outing sporting a 15.00 spring ERA, so he needed to gain a little positive momentum going into the season. The veteran left-hander will serve as the Royals' No. 3 starter this season behind Luke Hochevar and Jonathan Sanchez.

Bruce Chen was pummeled by the White Sox Thursday, surrendering 10 runs on 10 hits and a walk over 4 1/3 innings. Chen was taken deep three times, all by left-hander batters, as A.J. Pierzynski hit one out and Adam Dunn hit two out, one of which was a grand slam. It's not terribly surprising, as Chen often has problems with the gopherball. The lefty has now allowed at least four runs in three of four spring outings and holds an ERA of 15.00.

Bruce Chen surrendered eight hits and five earned runs in three innings Saturday against the Padres. It was a nightmarish outing for the 34-year-old Chen, who is now sporting a hideous 11.74 ERA through his first three Cactus League starts. If he's unable to yield better results over his final couple spring outings, there will be real reason for concern heading into the 2012 regular season. Chen registered a 3.96 ERA last spring in 25 Cactus League innings.

According to SI.com's Jon Heyman, Bruce Chen has agreed to a two-year, $9 million deal with the Royals. The contract also includes a $1 million roster bonus and another $1 million worth of performance-based incentives. Chen, a Type B free agent, went 12-8 with a solid 3.77 ERA in 25 starts this past year for Kansas City. He's a bargain at $4.5 million per season.

Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star writes that the Royals "appear to be making progress" in their efforts to re-sign Bruce Chen.

Jon Heyman of SI.com writes that the Royals "seem focused" on re-signing left-hander Bruce Chen. Chen, 34, is 24-15 with a 3.96 ERA over the past two seasons with Kansas City. There is mutual interest for him to return, but he will likely draw plenty of interest in a weak market for starting pitchers. He should get a multi-year deal.

Bruce Chen told Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star that two teams have already contacted him expressing "serious interest." Chen, 34, went 12-8 with a 3.77 ERA over 25 starts this season. He is likely to draw quite a bit of interest in a thin market for starting pitchers, so don't expect any quick decisions. The veteran southpaw qualifies as a Type B free agent this winter.

Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star reports that the Royals "appear open" to giving impending free agent Bruce Chen a two-year deal. The left-hander has worked under three straight one-year pacts with the Royals, but it sounds like they'd be willing to give him a two-year commitment after two straight solid seasons. Chen, 34, will probably draw some interest from other teams in what's shaping up to be a thin free agent market, but he's expressed a desire to remain in Kansas City. Anything more than a modest two-year extension would be risky, though.