Kansas City Royals: News, Scores, Stats, Headlines, Injury Updates & More

Ragans’ exit raises several concerns in fantasy

James Schiano evaluates what could be next for Cole Ragans after exiting his start on Wednesday, leaving several questions for the Royals’ staff and fantasy managers alike.

McGonigle, Witt Jr. meet for Sunday Night Baseball

The Mets, Red Sox and Phillies aren’t out -- but they’re very much down

Associated Press,

Associated Press,

MLB: Los Angeles Angels at Kansas City Royals

Lane Thomas’ 10th-inning homer leads Royals over Angels 11-9

Associated Press,

Associated Press,

02:00

HLs: Royals sweep Angels with wild walk-off win

01:22

Thomas: First career walk-off hit ‘feels awesome’

02:00

Thomas jacks walk-off three-run HR to sweep Angels

Rotoworld Player News

Carlos Estévez

KC Relief Pitcher #53

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Royals’ skipper Matt Quatraro told reporters on Thursday that right-hander Carlos Estévez is dealing with a right rotator cuff strain and will be shut down from throwing for three weeks.

Estévez had been on a minor league rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha where he exited Wednesday’s outing with shoulder discomfort after experiencing diminished velocity throughout the appearance. That’s not good. Even if he resumes throwing once this three-week period is up, it’s going to take him another couple of weeks to build back up and head back on a rehab assignment, pushing a return to the Royals’ bullpen way into the future. Lucas Erceg will continue to hold down the fort in the ninth inning for the foreseeable future.
Cole Ragans

KC Starting Pitcher #55

Royals’ manager Matt Quatraro told reporters on Thursday that left-hander Cole Ragans is dealing with Valgus Extension Overload (VEO).

Quatraro noted that the club will evaluate him over the next few days before deciding on the next steps. They had been optimistic that Ragans would be able to make his next scheduled start, it’s unclear if that’s still the case. The 28-year-old southpaw experienced soreness in his triceps and elbow during Wednesday’s start against the Guardians.
Seth Lugo

KC Starting Pitcher #67

Seth Lugo was pulled after giving up four runs in four innings Thursday against the Guardians.

The typically efficient Lugo walked four and needed 102 pitches to get his 12 outs on Thursday. It’s the first time since last August that he’s failed to complete five innings in a start and the second time in eight starts this year that he’s allowed more than two runs. With the Kansas City offense continuing to do him no favors, he dropped to 1-2 with a 3.21 ERA. He’ll get the White Sox next.
Bobby Witt Jr.

KC Shortstop #7

Bobby Witt Jr. went 4-for-4 with a solo homer and a walk against the Guardians on Thursday.

Witt had no runs scored or RBI aside from the homer. He’s been on the uptick in both categories recently, but he still has just 17 runs scored and 17 RBI overall despite batting .298 in 171 plate appearances. In 2024, he totaled 234 runs+RBI in 161 games. Last year, it was 187 in 157 games. This year, it’s 34 in 38 games.
Salvador Perez

KC Catcher #13

Salvador Perez is likely to be limited to DH duties this weekend because of a sore hip.

Perez hasn’t caught since Friday, but he’s started every game since, and he’s likely to stay in the lineup this weekend. The Royals are already carrying a third catcher in Elias Diaz, and he’ll probably get one start over Carter Jensen in the series against the Tigers.
Maikel Garcia

KC 3rd Baseman #11

Maikel Garcia went 2-for-3 with a walk on Wednesday against the Guardians.

In another slow night for the Royals’ lineup, Garcia did all he could to be a spark plug atop their order by reaching base three times. The first time, he was erased in a double play. Next, he was cut down by a fielder’s choice. Lastly, he was stranded on first base in the eighth inning when Bobby Witt Jr. and Jac Caglianone got opportunities at the plate as the tying run. Alas, Garcia has a respectable .265 average and .745 OPS with three home runs and four stolen bases through 35 games.
Cole Ragans

KC Starting Pitcher #55

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said he’s optimistic Cole Ragans (elbow) will make his next start.

Quatraro added that Ragans was lifted for precautionary reasons after experiencing triceps and elbow soreness while throwing three scoreless innings on 58 pitches on Wednesday against the Guardians. The 28-year-old southpaw, who dealt with some diminished fastball velocity in this outing, will undergo additional evaluation and imaging to ensure that he’s not dealing with anything serious. It sounds like there’s a chance he avoids the injured list and takes the ball against the White Sox on Tuesday.
Cole Ragans

KC Starting Pitcher #55

Cole Ragans left his start Wednesday after three innings with left triceps and elbow soreness.

Ragans pitched three scoreless innings, but he went from averaging 96.9 mph with his fastball in the first inning to 93.2 mph in the third and didn’t come back out for the fourth in the game against the Guardians. An extended absence would create room for both Noah Cameron and Stephen Kolek in the Royals rotation.
Carlos Estévez

KC Relief Pitcher #53

Carlos Estévez (toe) was removed from Wednesday’s minor league rehab appearance for Triple-A Omaha with shoulder discomfort.

Not good. Estévez’s fastball velocity was down noticeably, just like it was all throughout spring training, as he averaged just 90 mph on six fastball before leaving his rehab debut after 14 pitches. There’s clearly something going on here and the emergence of a shoulder issue helps explain his diminished velocity over the last few months. There should be an update on his status soon, but it doesn’t sound like Estévez is close to returning after this latest incident. It’ll be Lucas Erceg continuing to close for Kansas City.
Jac Caglianone

KC Right Fielder #14

Jac Caglianone is not in the lineup for Wednesday’s game against the division-rival Guardians.

Kansas City continues to platoon Caglianone against left-handed starters with veteran Starling Marte handling the short-side assignment. The 23-year-old slugger has four homers and eight RBI through 32 games. He’s also struck out in just over 31 percent of his 118 plate appearances this season. Carter Jensen is also on the bench in this one with Cleveland throwing lefty Joey Cantillo.

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