AL Central update: Edinson Volquez, Alex Rios, Eric Surkamp, Justin Verlander

Kansas City Royals starter Edinson Volquez has dropped the appeal of his five-game suspension for Thursday night's fight with the Chicago White Sox and will begin serving it today, according to Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star:

Edinson Volquez dropped his appeal and accepted his five-game suspension. Eligible to return May 2.

— Andy McCullough (@McCulloughStar) April 27, 2015

McCullough also reports the Royals will start veteran right-hander Chris Young in Volquez's place Friday night.

Volquez had started the 2015 season on a strong note, with a 1.91 ERA in 28⅓ innings in his first four starts of 2015. His replacement, Young has allowed two runs in four relief appearances this year after posting a 3.65 ERA in 29 starts for the Mariners last season.

AL Central standings 4/27:

AL Central news & notes 4/27:

• Michael Bourn's contact woes - Let's Go Tribe
  "While the Tribe offense did explode for one beautiful night on Friday, the sudden offensive surge didn't last as the Indians were shutdown again the very next night. Both nights, as well as almost every other night, saw Michael Bourn struggling at the plate - but just how much is he struggling? And more importantly, why?"

• Indians feel sense of urgency after difficult trip - indians.com
  "The Indians wrapped up their three-city divisional trek through Minnesota, Chicago and Detroit with a 3-6 record and -- with the loss to Tigers southpaw Kyle Lobstein on Sunday -- the club slipped to 1-6 against left-handed starters this season. No single aspect of the roster has been at fault. There have been lapses by the rotation, offense, defense and bullpen."

• Without Joe Nathan, Detroit Tigers bullpen has more questions than answers - Bless You Boys
  "When the Tigers need someone other than Soria to get outs, things get interesting.  Brad Ausmus appears to be turning to Joba Chamberlain, the veteran who filled the eighth inning role throughout the 2014 season, to do the same job again this season."

• Justin Verlander got a 2nd opinion, same result. Strained right triceps muscle.

• The Twins and fourth outfielders: you take success where you find it - Twinkie Town
  "In Year 2 Hicks was a little better but he still lost his job to a pair of fourth outfielders who were claimed off of waivers."

• Royals RF Alex Rios will have an x-ray today. Strength conditioning to follow if all goes well.

• Chris Sale and Jeff Samardzija are appealing their suspensions.

• Scott Carroll rejoins the White Sox - South Side Sox
  "With several possible options on the 40-man roster to fill in for Matt Albers, the White Sox decided to go outside the 40-man and purchased Scott Carroll's contract from Charlotte."

LHP Eric Surkamp, who was designated for assignment on Sunday, cleared waivers and has been outrighted to @KnightsBaseball.

— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) April 27, 2015