Full Breakdown
Royals' Cole Ragans Likely to Have Elbow Surgery
6/24/2026, 4:19:41 AM
Ragans Expected to Undergo Surgery
Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro announced on June 24, 2026, before the team's Tampa Bay game, that left-handed starter Cole Ragans will likely undergo surgery on his left elbow. The decision follows a valgus extension overload (VEO) impingement that has kept Ragans off the mound since May 6, when he left a start against the Cleveland Guardians after three innings.
Injury History
Ragans, 28, joined Kansas City in a 2023 trade with the Texas Rangers and has been the Royals’ Opening Day starter for three straight seasons. He previously underwent two Tommy John surgeries. This year he was placed on the 15-day injured list after the May 6 start, moved to the 60-day list on May 24, and suffered setbacks during a Triple-A rehab outing and a 23-pitch bullpen session on June 10.
Performance
Before his injury, Ragans was 1-4 with a 4.84 ERA in eight starts, striking out 45 in 35.1 innings (10.86 K/9). His career record is 22-24 with a 3.76 ERA and 506 strikeouts. Kansas City now leans on Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo.
Team Statement
Quatraro said the club expects surgery but has not determined the exact procedure. He noted Ragans will see another doctor and that the recovery timeline is unclear. The manager called the situation a major setback for the pitcher and the organization.
Season Impact
The Royals are 33-46, last in the AL Central and 8 games behind the leader. Ragans’ loss adds to injuries to Maikel Garcia, Jonathan India, Vinnie Pasquantino, Kyle Isbel, Kris Bubic, Carlos Estévez and Nick Mears. Analysts say the injuries diminish postseason prospects.
Conflicts & Gaps
All sources agree surgery is likely, but differ on specifics. Some say the exact operation is undecided; others suggest it may resemble a Tommy John repair. No official return date is provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We anticipate it being a surgical procedure. We don’t know, as of right now, what it means. He’s got to see another doctor as well, but we anticipate it being surgical.” — Matt Quatraro, Royals manager
- “It's awful,” — Matt Quatraro, Royals manager
- “We talk about it all the time when guys get hurt; these guys grind and work, and do it year-round to put themselves in the best position to go out there and compete. Clearly, it's a blow for him and for us. I mean, it's our Opening Day starter the last few years. That's a really tough one to swallow for him and his family.” — Matt Quatraro, Royals manager
- “We talk about it all the time when guys get hurt; these guys grind and work, and do it year-round to put themselves in the best position to go out there and compete.” — Matt Quatraro, Royals manager
What’s Next
Ragans will see another physician within the week, after which the Royals will confirm the surgical plan and update his recovery outlook. The club may also consider roster moves for the remainder of 2026.
