The Kansas City Royals entered Wednesday’s series finale against the Cleveland Guardians on the road looking to win the series with their ace on the mound in left-hander Cole Ragans.
The 28-year-old had a solid spring training and entered this year as Kansas City’s Opening Day starter, and that was fully deserved. Ragans remains one of the most dominant southpaws in the league, frequently overpowering hitters with his four-seam fastball. He is off to a strong start again this year.
In his first 10 innings, he had already collected 13 strikeouts while allowing just four earned runs. Unfortunately, Kansas City has not provided Ragans with enough run support, and he has lost his first two starts of the season.
© William Purnell-Imagn Images
Looking to get back on track Wednesday against Cleveland, Ragans had been cruising through his first two hitters of the game, collecting back-to-back strikeouts. Then, Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez hit a line drive that nailed Ragans in the hand.
Ragans was visited by the training staff and remained in the game. However, he stayed in for just two more hitters. He allowed a walk and then a two-run double.
Trainers came back out, and this time he did not remain in the game and was removed. In his place, Linder Avila took over. During the seventh inning, Kansas City finally provided an update on his status. "Cole Ragans exited today's game with a left thumb contusion," the team wrote on X.
If Ragans is forced to miss extended time, it would be another unfortunate injury for him. Ragans was traded to the Royals at the 2023 trade deadline in a deal with the Texas Rangers, and he has completely turned his career around with the team.
In 2024, he made his first American League All-Star team and posted a 2.64 ERA across 32 starts, leading the Royals to the postseason and earning a fourth-place finish in AL Cy Young voting.
The only issue for Ragans during his time in Kansas City has been staying on the field. In 2025, he made just 13 starts due to a rotator cuff strain and left groin strain.
It is unclear if Ragans will be available for his next turn in the rotation, leaving the Royals holding their breath as they await further evaluation.
