Duda went 2-for-3 with a three-run homer and four RBI in a 9-8 victory against the Indians on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The power lefty has been in the starting lineup for three straight games and finally broke through with a couple hits. He also hit his first homer of the year. Duda has poor overall numbers, but he's always been a very streaky hitter, so it's possible he's about to go on a real hot streak. Duda is hitting .182 with two extra-base hits, seven RBI and a run in 22 at-bats this season.

Duda will serve as the Royals' designated hitter and will bat seventh Sunday against the Indians.

EDGE Analysis

Duda finds himself in the lineup for the third game in a row, marking his longest stretch of consecutive starts this season. He's seen his opportunities increase by circumstance rather than merit, as Billy Hamilton's (knee) ongoing absence has created an extra spot in the lineup. Manager Ned Yost acknowledged that Hamilton might be ready to return to action Monday against the White Sox, so Duda's run of steady at-bats could soon come to an end.

Duda is out of the lineup for Saturday's game against the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

It wasn't surprising that Duda was held out of the lineup in Thursday's season opener came as little surprise with lefty Carlos Rodon on the hill for Chicago, but the slugger's absence Saturday is more conspicuous with a right-hander (Reynaldo Lopez) starting. Duda may be the odd man out for an everyday role at this point after manager Ned Yost said Saturday that Whit Merrifield would play more right field than anticipated this season, per Jeffrey Flanagan of MLB.com. Though Duda is expected to enter the lineup at DH on Sunday, those duties will mostly fall to Jorge Soler now that Merrifield has pushed him out of the outfield.

Duda is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the White Sox.

EDGE Analysis

The White Sox are bringing a southpaw (Carlos Rodon) to the hill in the season opener for both squads, so it's not surprising that the lefty-hitting Duda is on the bench. Duda is expected to occupy the larger side of a platoon at designated hitter with Jorge Soler.

The Royals selected Duda's contract from Triple-A Omaha on Monday.

EDGE Analysis

Duda returned to Kansas City after being released by the Twins last week and quickly solidified his spot on the 25-man roster. The 33-year-old will offer a veteran presence and left-handed bench off the bat for the Royals. Across 107 games with Kansas City and Atlanta in 2018, Duda hit .241/.313/.418 with 14 homers and 50 RBI.

Duda signed a minor-league contract with the Royals on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Duda didn't have to wait long to find a spot after being released by the Twins on Wednesday. He played 87 games for Kansas City last season, hitting an unimpressive .242/.310/.413 with 13 homers. The Royals don't have much reason to give significant at-bats to the 33-year-old rather than to one of their younger players, so it could be hard for him to find a regular role.

Duda was released by the Twins, Dan Hayes of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

He was in camp as a non-roster invitee and clearly wasn't going to make the team, so the two sides parted ways. Duda will look to latch on elsewhere, but will probably have to settle for a minor-league deal.

The Twins announced Saturday that Duda agreed to a minor-league contract with the team and will report to major-league spring training as a non-roster invitee.

EDGE Analysis

Duda's contract likely includes an opt-out clause that would allow him to pursue opportunities with another organization in the event he fails to break camp with the big club. The 33-year-old doesn't offer any defensive value and has historically been a liability against same-handed pitching, but he continued to mash righties while splitting time between the Royals and Braves in 2018, slashing .264/.336/.477 (118 wRC+) across 265 plate appearances. He could make for a viable platoon mate for C.J. Cron or Tyler Austin at first base if the Twins don't mind his lack of positional versatility.

Duda (back) made Atlanta's 25-man roster for the NLDS against Los Angeles.

EDGE Analysis

Duda hasn't appeared in a game since Sept. 23 due to a back issue, but it's unlikely that manager Brian Snitker would keep him on the active roster for this series unless he was healthy enough to play. That being said, Duda will likely strictly be utilized as a pinch hitter off the bench. Across 107 games between the Braves and Royals this year, he's hit .241/.313/.418 with 14 home runs and 50 RBI.

Duda is unavailable Thursday against the Mets due to a sore back, David O'Brien of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

This helps explain why Duda wasn't called upon to start at first base with Freddie Freeman getting the day off. The issue is considered minor, and the 32-year-old, who is hitting .222/.364/.500 with a homer and two RBI in 22 plate appearances since joining the Braves, is expected to be available for Friday's series opener against the Phillies.