Royals' Cole Ragans Set to Return to Rotation After Injury

What's Happening?

Cole Ragans of the Kansas City Royals is set to rejoin the team's rotation on Wednesday, following his recovery from a left rotator cuff strain. Ragans has been on the 60-day injured list since June 5, and his upcoming start against the Seattle Mariners in Kansas City marks his first appearance with the major league team since the injury. During his rehab assignment at Triple-A Omaha, Ragans demonstrated strong form, pitching 3.2 innings in his final outing, striking out seven batters, and allowing no runs on one hit and two walks. Despite his impressive performance, Ragans is not yet fully stretched out for a typical starter's workload and may be limited to 70-to-80 pitches in his return.

Why It's Important?

Ragans' return is significant for the Kansas City Royals as they look to bolster their pitching rotation. His recovery and performance during rehab suggest he could be a valuable asset for the team as they navigate the remainder of the season. The Royals have struggled with injuries in their pitching staff, and Ragans' return could provide much-needed stability and depth. His ability to strike out batters and limit runs during his rehab outings indicates potential for impactful performances in upcoming games, which could influence the team's standings and competitiveness.

What's Next?

Cole Ragans will make his return to the Royals' rotation on Wednesday, with the team closely monitoring his pitch count and performance. The Royals will assess his readiness to handle a full starter's workload in subsequent games. If Ragans continues to perform well, he could become a regular fixture in the rotation, contributing to the team's efforts to improve their record. The Royals will also need to manage Ragans' recovery carefully to prevent any setbacks, ensuring he remains a reliable option for the remainder of the season.