Cole Ragans

Ragans underwent UCL repair surgery on his left elbow on July 2, with a minimum 12-month recovery timeline. He is expected back around the 2027 All-Star break at the earliest, effectively ending his 2026 season and removing him from trade deadline consideration entirely. No rotation replacement has been announced. The Royals were reportedly packaging Ragans as the centerpiece of multiple potential deals before the injury surfaced.

Manager Matt Quatraro confirmed Ragans is headed for elbow surgery — his third career procedure. He has been on the 60-day IL since May 6 with left elbow impingement, and a failed rehab attempt led to the surgery decision. With August the absolute earliest possible return from surgery, his 2026 fantasy value is done. Cut and stream.

Manager Matt Quatraro confirmed Friday that Ragans is expected to undergo elbow surgery — his third career elbow procedure. He has been on the 60-day IL since May 6 with left elbow impingement after a rehab attempt failed to produce improvement. With August the earliest realistic return from surgery, his 2026 fantasy value is effectively gone.

Transferred to the 60-day IL on June 17 after a setback halted his rehab from a left elbow impingement (valgus extension overload). Originally placed on the 15-day IL on May 8, Ragans experienced continued symptoms during his attempted return and the Royals are now seeking a second medical opinion. He is out at minimum through the first week of July, and the 60-day designation signals the team does not expect a quick resolution. Seth Lugo's expected return to the rotation is the key watch item for KC's streaming options.

Placed on IL May 6 with left elbow impingement (VEO), then woke with elbow discomfort the morning after a promising May 24 Triple-A rehab start — team shut him down an additional 3-4 days for re-evaluation. The setback pushes a realistic return to mid-June at the earliest, with a 60-Day IL transfer possible if he flares again.

NEW: 15-day IL retroactive to May 7 with left elbow impingement (Valgus Extension Overload). Received a lubricant injection. Ragans says it feels different from his prior TJ injuries and imaging came back clean — Quatraro called for a 'minimal stay.' But he's a two-time TJ recipient and the Royals will be cautious. Realistic return: late May to early June.

Started vs Cleveland Guardians (1W-4L, 5.29 ERA)

Started @ Seattle Mariners (1W-4L, 5.00 ERA)

Started vs Los Angeles Angels (0W-4L, 6.00 ERA)

Started @ New York Yankees (0W-3L, 3.78 ERA)