Royals Place Cole Ragans On IL With Elbow Impingement
MLB Trade Rumors • • sports
Key Points:
- The Royals have placed left-hander Cole Ragans on the 15-day injured list retroactive to May 7 due to a left elbow impingement, following soreness and tightness after his recent start; he has been diagnosed with valgus extension overload.
- Ragans, who has undergone two Tommy John surgeries, posted a 3.14 ERA over 32 starts in 2024 but has struggled with injuries recently and currently holds a 4.84 ERA this year.
- To fill Ragans' spot, the Royals recalled right-handers Stephen Kolek and Steven Cruz, with Kolek expected to join the rotation; Kolek recently came off the injured list and performed well in a rehab assignment.
- The Royals are facing reduced pitching depth after losing Ryan Bergert and Ben Kudrna to season-ending surgeries, making Kolek's return timely despite him being initially optioned to the minors.
- Kolek, acquired from the Padres, has a six-pitch mix and has shown solid results as both a reliever and starter, including a 2.76 ERA over four rehab starts this season.
