On June 13, the Kansas City Royals announced that left‑hander Cole Ragans suffered a setback in his elbow rehab. The former 2024 All‑Star, who posted a 1‑4 record and a 4.84 ERA, returned to the 15‑day injured list after a May 8 diagnosis of a left‑elbow impingement and will miss the rest of the season soon.

Ragans exited a May 6 start against the Cleveland Guardians after three innings when doctors diagnosed a valgus extension overload. He made a rehab start at Triple‑A Omaha on May 23, pitching 4⅓ innings, but the elbow continues to flare. Manager Matt Quatraro said the pitcher will undergo more testing in the coming days today.

The setback follows the Royals’ loss of All‑Star right‑hander Seth Lugo, who was placed on a seven‑day concussion injured list after a line‑drive blow in a May 10 start versus the Texas Rangers. Lugo’s injury leaves the rotation thinner, while Ragans’ elbow woes push the club deeper into uncertainty ahead of the playoffs and pressure.

With two key starters sidelined, Kansas City faces a compressed rotation and a tight schedule to secure a wild‑card berth. Managers will likely rely on a mix of veterans and prospects, but the injury list threatens depth in both pitching and lineup. The Royals must rally quickly to keep playoff hopes alive and team energy.