Kansas City Royals Pitcher Cole Ragans Expects to Make Next Start After Thumb Injury

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans left the game during Wednesday's 10-2 loss to the Cleveland Guardians after sustaining an injury to his left thumb. 4 mph comebacker hit by Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez. Ragans exited the game two batters later.

Medical tests conducted after the game revealed no fractures in Ragans' thumb. He was diagnosed with a thumb contusion. The Royals, who fell to a 5-7 record with the loss, avoided a more serious injury to their ace pitcher.

commented on the injury following the game.

He described the thumb as stiff from the direct impact but expressed confidence in his recovery.

“Just a little stiff, obviously, wore it directly off the hand. But, you know, should be good to go (for my next start)." — Cole Ragans, according to MLB.com In the game, Ragans pitched two-thirds of an inning and allowed three runs, resulting in the loss. Ragans entered the 2024 season with a 0-3 record and a 5.91 earned run average over his starts. As a key member of the Royals' rotation, his availability affects the team's pitching depth. The Royals are scheduled to play their next series against an opponent not specified in reports, with Ragans' next start pending his recovery. The injury occurred in the context of the Royals' early-season struggles, having lost five of their first 12 games. Cleveland Guardians improved to a record above .500 with the win. Ragans' expected return provides continuity to the rotation, though the team monitors his condition closely in the coming days.”