KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Royals made changes to their pitching lineup by placing left-handed pitcher Cole Ragans on the injured list due to a left rotator cuff strain following a difficult outing against the Cardinals. At the same time, reliever Lucas Erceg has been activated from the IL in preparation for their game against the Yankees.
To bolster their bullpen, the Royals also brought back right-hander Jonathan Bowlan from Triple-A Omaha, while right-hander Trevor Richards was designated for assignment. Ragans, who was an All-Star for Kansas City in the previous season, initially went on the IL in mid-May due to a left groin strain. Upon his return, he struggled against St. Louis, conceding five runs on five hits and three walks over just three innings. This performance left him with a 2-3 record and a 5.18 ERA over his first 10 starts this year.
“It’s very frustrating. I feel badly for him,” shared Royals manager Matt Quatraro about Ragans’ injury. “He’s a diligent worker, and his preparation is unquestionable. However, injuries happen, especially when throwing at high velocities, which significantly strains the body and arm. It’s a disappointing development.” Ragans, who had an impressive 11-9 record with a 3.14 ERA the previous season, is undergoing further tests to assess the injury’s severity. Quatraro remains optimistic despite the uncertainty.
Fortunately for the Royals, their rotation includes six starters, so Ragans’ absence may not drastically impact their strategy. Young talents like Kris Bubic and Noah Cameron have shown promise early in the season, compensating with solid performances, while seasoned pitchers such as Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, and Michael Lorenzen have provided the team with consistent innings.
Erceg, who was mainly deployed as a setup man last season rather than closing games, had been sidelined since May 27 due to a lower back strain. In the current season, he has played in 24 games, boasting a 1.96 ERA over 23 innings, enhancing the Royals’ late-inning bullpen strength significantly. “He’s a huge part of what we do not only in the bullpen but as a whole team,” Quatraro remarked about Erceg’s essential role.
Bowlan, who has made nine appearances with a 1-1 record and a 4.09 ERA, is expected to add some depth to the bullpen. Richards, during his brief time with the Royals, gave up four runs over three innings in three games. These adjustments aim to further solidify the Royals’ pitching capabilities as they continue their season.