Cole Waites

Cole Ragans, 28-year-old All-Star left-handed pitcher for the Kansas City Royals, was placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to May 7, 2026, with left elbow impingement (Valgus Extension Overload/VEO or "pitcher's elbow"). He exited his Wednesday start against Cleveland after 3 innings with triceps and elbow discomfort. Medical evaluation revealed no structural damage. Ragans received a lubricant injection and will be shut down 3-4 days before resuming baseball activities. Manager Matt Quatraro expects a minimal IL stay with Ragans not missing more than the required 15 days. Ragans has a history of two previous Tommy John surgeries (2018, 2019) and missed half of last season with rotator cuff strain. He expressed optimism about recovery, noting this injury feels different from his previous elbow issues. Current season stats: 4.84 ERA in 8 starts, 10 home runs allowed in 35.1 innings, .819 OPS against.