The Kansas City Royals suffered a pair of devastating pitching injuries Tuesday, with right-hander Stephen Kolek and pitcher Luinder Ávila both set to miss the remainder of the 2026 season. Team broadcaster Joel Goldberg first reported the news after manager Matt Quatraro confirmed both players require season-ending elbow procedures.
The twin medical updates completely wipe out the remainder of their respective pitching campaigns. Both Kolek and Ávila are scheduled to undergo Tommy John surgery on Wednesday, sidelining each arm for the rest of this year and much of the 2027 season.
The injuries add to a difficult season for Kansas City as it continues its series against the Minnesota Twins. The Royals entered Tuesday with a 47-67 record, sitting fifth in the American League Central, 13 games behind the division-leading Chicago White Sox.
Kolek went 4-3 with a 4.50 ERA in 10 starts this season, striking out 34 batters over 54 innings while posting a 1.24 WHIP. He was initially placed on the injured list with a right flexor strain before additional testing revealed the torn ulnar collateral ligament that will require Tommy John surgery.
Ávila posted a 5-4 record with a 5.53 ERA over 21 appearances, including 12 starts, across 70 innings this season. The 25-year-old struck out 61 batters before being placed on the injured list with right forearm tightness, and further evaluation ultimately revealed the torn UCL that will also require Tommy John surgery.
Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The simultaneous losses further weaken a Royals pitching staff that has already been tested throughout the season. Kansas City will now have to replace both an established major league starter and a valuable organizational arm expected to contribute down the stretch.
With both pitchers expected to miss the remainder of 2026 and much of 2027, the Royals will lean on their remaining rotation depth and internal options as they attempt to navigate the rest of the season.
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