Kansas City Royals’ manager Matt Quatraro provided an unfortunate update on left-handed pitcher Cole Ragans, who is currently on the 15-day injured list with left elbow impingement.
The 28-year-old pitcher struggled through his first eight starts of the season, posting a 4.84 ERA with 45 strikeouts across 35 1/3 innings. On May 6th, Ragans exited his start against the Cleveland Guardians after four innings with tricep and elbow soreness. He was placed on the 15-day injured list just two days later.
Ragans pitched in his first rehab outing on Saturday for the Omaha Storm Chasers. He tossed 4.1 innings with three strikeouts, allowing one earned run on three hits. According to Anne Rogers of MLB.com, the Royals were encouraged by the outing and believed Ragans could potentially be back with the big league roster in the coming days.
Unfortunately, Ragans experienced a setback following his start. Quatraro told reports beforeon Monday’s series opener against the New York Yankees that Ragans felt similar symptoms in his elbow to the ones that originally put him on the injured list. He will be shut down for a couple days before being relevated.
Ragans has dealt with some injury concerns since his big league debut in 2022. The left-hander had an injury riddled 2025 season that saw him on the 60 day injured list.
The Royals have struggled mightily this season, sitting nine games under .500 through 53 games, they are fourth in the American League Central Division. The team ranks 20th in the league in both OPS and ERA.
While Ragans struggled with the big league club these past two seasons, he still has the potential to be an effective and frontline pitcher if healthy.
© Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
In 2024, Ragans pitched the best season of his career which saw him finish fourth in AL Cy Young voting. A fully healthy Ragans threw 186.1 innings to the tune of a 3.14 ERA with 223 strikeouts.
In light of the Royals struggles, the team enters this week on a high note after a series win against the Seattle Mariners which saw their offense finally hit their stride.
In a wide open American League this season, the Royals sit four games back of an American Leaguea Wild Card spot.
Getting Ragans back on track and seeing the offense continue to play well could set the team up for a playoff push going into the summer.The Royals host the New York Yankees on Memorial Day at 2:40 P.M CT.
