Royals Turn to Kolek After Ragans Lands on IL With Elbow Impingement
The Kansas City Royals placed left-hander Cole Ragans on the 15-day injured list with a left elbow impingement and valgus extension overload after a 3-inning start in which he felt soreness in his elbow/triceps. Manager Matt Quatraro called the move precautionary and indicated Ragans could return if he progresses, but the team has moved to a longer absence for now. In a corresponding move, the Royals recalled Stephen Kolek and Steven Cruz and optioned Eric Cerantola; Kolek is expected to step into Ragans’ rotation spot. Ragans has a history of Tommy John surgeries, and this setback comes as the Royals’ rotation depth is thinning, with Bergert and Kudrna out for the year. Kolek, who recently came off the IL, brings a multi-pitch mix and has prior starting experience, making him a logical fill-in as Kansas City rebuilds its rotation alongside Noah Cameron, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, and Kris Bubic.