Royals right-hander Yordano Ventura, who exited Friday’s start after three innings with weakness in his right hand, has now been placed on the disabled list with what the team is calling an ulnar nerve condition.
Journeyman right-hander Yohan Pino will step into the rotation for Ventura, who had a 4.68 ERA and 54/21 K/BB ratio in 67 innings for an underwhelming follow-up to last season’s breakout.
Pino, who made his MLB debut for the Twins last season at age 30, has pitched well in limited action out of the Royals’ bullpen after a decade of starting in the minors.
No word yet on how long the Royals expect to be without Ventura, but “ulnar nerve condition” certainly doesn’t sound good.
