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Cole Ragans Cole Ragans Likely needs elbow procedure
Tue, Jun 23, 2026, 3:58 PM
Manager Matt Quatraro said Tuesday that Ragans (elbow) will likely need some type of elbow surgery, but the specific procedure and potential recovery timeline remain unclear as the left-hander is scheduled to visit another doctor soon, Brian Murphy of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: The 28-year-old has been on the shelf due to an elbow impingement since early May and was transferred to the 60-day IL last week after suffering a setback. Ragans can safely be ruled out for the near future, and his availability for the rest of the season is also in question as he continues to be evaluated. |
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Isaac Collins Isaac Collins Out of Tuesday's lineup
Tue, Jun 23, 2026, 2:08 PM
Collins is not in the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rays.
Analysis: Collins will receive a routine day of rest after starting each of the Royals' previous five tilts. Kameron Misner is covering left field and will bat ninth Tuesday. |
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Bobby Witt Jr. Bobby Witt Jr. Remaining out of lineup
Tue, Jun 23, 2026, 2:07 PM
Witt (knee) remains out of the lineup for Tuesday's game against the Rays.
Analysis: Witt went through a full pregame workout Monday and the Royals remain optimistic he can avoid the injured list, but he will miss a fourth straight start with a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his right knee. According to Brian Murphy of MLB.com, manager Matt Quatraro expects the start shortstop to be available off the bench Tuesday. Tyler Tolbert is handling shortstop for Kansas City on Tuesday. |
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Josh Rojas Josh Rojas Back in majors
Tue, Jun 23, 2026, 12:58 PM
The Royals recalled Rojas from Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.
Analysis: The 31-year-old was up with the Royals for a few days in early June and will now get another chance in the majors since Maikel Garcia (hand) was placed on the injured list. Nick Loftin has been operating as Kansas City's primary third baseman with Garcia banged up, while Rojas is likely to fill a utility role while up in the majors. |
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Maikel Garcia Maikel Garcia Out with hand injury
Tue, Jun 23, 2026, 12:45 PM
The Royals placed Garcia on the 10-day injured list Tuesday due to a left hand muscle strain.
Analysis: The 26-year-old returned to the lineup the past two days after missing three games due to left hand soreness, but he apparently aggravated the injury and will now require a stint on the injured list. Garcia will be eligible to be reinstated in early July, though it's unclear how long he's expected to be sidelined. Nick Loftin has started the past five games at the hot corner -- Garcia filled in for Bobby Witt (knee) at shortstop Sunday and Monday -- and should continue to operate as Kansas City's primary third baseman while Garcia is on the shelf. |
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Alex Lange Alex Lange Slams door for sixth save
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 9:00 PM
Lange secured the save Monday against the Rays, throwing a clean ninth inning. He struck out one.
Analysis: Since taking over as Kansas City's primary closer, Lange been very effective on the mound. The 30-year-old right-hander has successfully converted each of his last six save opportunities, giving up just two earned runs across 10 innings during the month of June so far. With Lucas Erceg being unreliable and Carlos Estevez (shoulder) still on the shelf, Lange is solidifying his hold as the club's favorite for saves. |
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Michael Wacha Michael Wacha Seven strong innings in fifth win
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 8:55 PM
Wacha (5-5) notched the win Monday against Tampa Bay, allowing one run on six hits and one walk in seven innings. He struck out five.
Analysis: Wacha continues to give the Royals plenty of length, tossing at least six frames in three consecutive starts and eight of his last 10. The 34-year-old right-hander has also pitched at least five innings in all of his 15 outings this year, racking up 11 quality starts already. Wacha will try to further improve on a steady 3.48 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 77:29 K:BB over a league-high 101 innings in his next scheduled outing on the road against the division-rival White Sox. |
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Bobby Witt Jr. Bobby Witt Jr. Works out, still hopes to avoid IL
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 3:45 PM
Royals manager Matt Quatraro said that Witt (knee) hit in the batting cage, fielded grounders and ran the bases pregame prior to Monday's contest against the Rays, Brian Murphy of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: Quatraro referred to Witt's workout as "very encouraging," adding that he's hopeful the star shortstop will be available to play "in the next couple of days." Witt is missing a third straight start Monday against the Rays, but optimism remains that he will be able to avoid a stint on the 10-day injured list. |
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John Rave John Rave Gaining traction in outfield
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 1:54 PM
Rave will start in right field and bat seventh in Monday's game against the Rays.
Analysis: Rave will crack the lineup for the third time in four matchups versus right-handed pitchers and appears to be getting prioritized over fellow left-handed hitter Kameron Misner for the final opening in the Kansas City outfield. Since being promoted from Triple-A Omaha on June 14, Rave has gone 3-for-7 with three extra-base hits, three walks, two RBI and three runs over four games, earning himself some more opportunities in the process. |
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Nick Loftin Nick Loftin Awarded seventh straight start
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 1:50 PM
Loftin will start at third base and bat eighth in Monday's game against the Rays.
Analysis: Loftin will remain in the lineup for a seventh straight game after going 7-for-22 with one home run, four doubles, three walks, four RBI and two runs across the prior six contests. He's been the main beneficiary of Maikel Garcia (hand) and Bobby Witt (knee) both having missed time over the past week, but Loftin's opportunities could dry up if Witt avoids a stint on the injured list. Garcia already seems to be past his hand injury, as he'll cover shortstop Monday in place of Witt for a second straight game. |
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Kameron Misner Kameron Misner Passed over for start vs. RHP
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 1:46 PM
Misner is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rays.
Analysis: The left-handed-hitting Misner will be on the bench for the third time in the Royals' last four matchups with right-handed starting pitchers. Since being called up from Triple-A Omaha on June 10, Misner has held his own at the plate with a .350/.381/.350 slash line over 22 plate appearances, but it hasn't been enough for him to gain a foothold in the everyday lineup. The Royals seem to be prioritizing Lane Thomas and John Rave over Misner in the outfield in the wake of Kyle Isbel (foot) and Vinnie Pasquantino (hand) recently landing on the injured list. |
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Bobby Witt Jr. Bobby Witt Jr. Remaining sidelined Monday
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 1:37 PM
Witt (knee) remains out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rays.
Analysis: Witt hasn't played since exiting last Thursday's contest against the Cardinals due to a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his right knee. The Royals have seemed optimistic to this point that Witt could avoid a stint on the injured list, but the time to make a decision one way or another is likely coming soon. Maikel Garcia will shift over to shortstop again Monday, while Nick Loftin will grab the start at third base. |
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Nick Mears Nick Mears Dealing with setback
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 11:47 AM
Mears (shoulder) was tracking toward a rehab assignment but experienced soreness after his bullpen session Tuesday, MLB.com reports.
Analysis: Mears appeared to be progressing well in rehab from a right shoulder impingement, but he came out of Tuesday's bullpen session with the same soreness and pinching feeling that landed him on the injured list. The right-hander underwent further evaluation Thursday, and while an updated outlook remains undisclosed, the setback has almost certainly pushed back his timeline for both a rehab assignment and return to the big leagues. Before hitting the shelf May 29, Mears posted a 5.12 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 15:11 K:BB across 19.1 innings. |
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Kris Bubic Kris Bubic Logs bullpen session Sunday
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 11:36 AM
Bubic (elbow/shoulder) threw a two-up bullpen Sunday, per MLB.com.
Analysis: Working back from left elbow soreness, Bubic suffered a setback after experiencing shoulder discomfort following a rehab start with Triple-A Omaha on June 9. The southpaw underwent an MRI that revealed no structural damage to either his elbow or shoulder, an encouraging development that has allowed him to resume building back up. Having now completed a bullpen session, the 28-year-old could restart his rehab assignment soon, provided he doesn't experience any renewed discomfort. Before being shelved, Bubic posted a 3-2 record with a 4.11 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 51:26 K:BB across 50.1 innings (nine starts). |
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Michael Massey Michael Massey Logs three hits Sunday
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 11:26 AM
Massey went 3-for-5 with two RBI and a stolen base in Sunday's 12-10 loss to the Cardinals.
Analysis: Massey contributed offensively, opening the scoring with a two-run single in the first inning as part of a three-hit performance. The 28-year-old's steal of second base in the third frame marked his second swipe of the season and first since May 2. It has been a standout June for the second baseman, as he's hitting .323/.333/.516 with three homers, three doubles, 12 RBI and nine runs scored across 17 appearances this month. |
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Carter Jensen Carter Jensen Stays hot in Sunday's loss
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 11:19 AM
Jensen went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, two additional runs scored and two walks in Sunday's 12-10 loss to the Cardinals.
Analysis: Jensen's hot stretch continued Sunday, as he came around to score a season-high three times and went the opposite way for his 10th homer of the campaign in the sixth inning. The 22-year-old is in the midst of a 12-game hitting streak, during which he's slashing .375/.407/.708 with three homers, seven doubles, 11 RBI, 12 runs and a stolen base. His recent production has helped him settle into the leadoff spot against right-handed pitching. |
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Jac Caglianone Jac Caglianone Stays scorching with two homers
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 3:12 AM
Caglianone went 2-for-3 with two home runs, two walks, three RBI and three runs scored in Sunday's 12-10 loss to the Cardinals.
Analysis: Caglianone continued his hot stretch at the plate with his second multi-homer game of the month. The slugger launched a two-run shot off Dustin May in the second inning before adding a solo homer in the ninth as Kansas City attempted a late comeback. Caglianone has now homered in three consecutive games, bringing his season total to 12 long balls. The 23-year-old has been one of baseball's hottest hitters recently, batting .375 with a 1.236 OPS and six homers over his last 12 games. While his season line of .275/.349/.480 may not jump off the page, his recent power surge is certainly worth monitoring. |
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Stephen Kolek Stephen Kolek Shelled in short start
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 2:51 AM
Kolek (4-2) took the loss Sunday against the Cardinals, allowing nine runs on nine hits and one walk over 1.2 innings.
Analysis: Kolek entered the day in excellent form, having allowed two runs or fewer in five of his previous six starts, but he was unable to escape the Cardinals' relentless offense Sunday. The right-hander was tagged for three home runs in his short outing, including two by rookie JJ Wetherholt, and was chased before completing the second inning. The nine runs allowed were a career high and caused his ERA to balloon by more than a full run. Kolek now owns a 4.15 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 34:11 K:BB across 52 innings. He will seek to get back on the right track against the White Sox on the road in his next scheduled start. |
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Maikel Garcia Maikel Garcia Back in lineup Sunday
Sun, Jun 21, 2026, 9:53 AM
Garcia (hand) will start at shortstop and bat second in Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
Analysis: A left hand strain had kept Garcia out of the lineup for the Royals' previous three games, but the extra rest plus a team off day Saturday appears to have provided enough time for him to move past the issue. Though he had made all of his starts to date at third base or designated hitter, Garcia will cover shortstop Sunday while Bobby Witt (knee) misses a second straight game. |
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Bobby Witt Jr. Bobby Witt Jr. Remaining out of starting nine
Sun, Jun 21, 2026, 9:50 AM
Witt (knee) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
Analysis: A team off day Saturday didn't provide sufficient time for Witt to fully heal from a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his right knee, prompting the Royals to keep him on the bench for a second straight game. Maikel Garcia will step in at shortstop in place of Witt, who will be re-evaluated Sunday and could still avoid a stint on the injured list. |
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