Cole Ragans
Breakdown
Performance
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May 7, 2026
Dealing with pitcher's elbow
Ragans was diagnosed with valgus extension overload in his left elbow Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
Ragans' elbow forced him to make an early exit from his start Wednesday after three innings. The Royals are going to allow the 28-year-old lefty to rest for a few days and see how he feels before determining next steps. Ragans said Thursday that he has already begun to feel better since leaving Wednesday's game, per Rogers, which bodes well for his chances of avoiding a trip to the IL.
May 7, 2026
Exits with sore triceps
Ragans was removed from Wednesday's game against the Guardians due to left triceps/elbow soreness.
Analysis
Ragans made it through three shutout innings before being forced out of his start, during which he gave up one hit and two walks while striking out four batters. It remains unclear whether he'll be ready for his next turn through the rotation next week against the White Sox, though the Royals will likely send him in for further testing and offer an update once they have more information.
May 2, 2026
Yields three homers in no-decision
Ragans allowed four runs on four hits and three walks while striking out eight over 5.1 innings in a no-decision versus the Mariners on Friday.
Analysis
All of the runs against Ragans came via the long ball. Julio Rodriguez had a two-run home run in the first inning, and Connor Joe and Randy Arozarena added solo shots in the fifth and sixth. Ragans has alternated good and bad starts all year, and this was the third time he's surrendered three homers. Overall, he has a 5.29 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 41:21 K:BB across 32.1 innings over seven starts. He's tentatively lined up to make his next start at home versus the Guardians.