Royals Left-hander Cole Ragans Has Setback in Elbow Rehab

Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans experienced a setback during his injury rehab and will undergo further testing, the team said Saturday. Ragans was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 8 with a left elbow impingement. He threw a bullpen session on Wednesday before a similar session was limited on Friday.

"Cole woke up yesterday not feeling well, arm-wise," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said before Saturday's game against the Houston Astros. " "We're going to get him some more testing over the next couple of days," Quatraro said. Ragans left his May 6 start against the Cleveland Guardians after three innings and was diagnosed with valgus extension overload.

He made a rehab start at Triple-A Omaha on May 23, tossing 4⅓ innings, and was expected to return to the Royals rotation soon. Ragans is a three-time Opening Day starter for Kansas City. He has suffered numerous injury setbacks in his four seasons with the Royals, including missing most of the 2025 season due to a left groin strain and a rotator cuff strain.

84 ERA. The setback for the Royals comes on the heels of All-Star right-hander Seth Lugo being placed on the seven-day concussion injured list after being hit in the head with a line drive during his May 10 start against the Texas Rangers.