Royals make important Cole Ragans, Carlos Estevez announcements before Tigers game

The Kansas City Royals will play the Detroit Tigers on Friday night in the first matchup of a three-game series. Before the game, the ball club made multiple announcements. Ace Cole Ragans was placed on the 15-day injured list due to a left elbow impingement. Closer Carlos Estevez was returned from his rehab assignment. Additionally, left-handed pitcher Eric Cerantola was optioned to Triple-A while right-handed pitchers Steven Cruz and Stephen Kolek were recalled from Triple-A.

Ragans exited his most recent start against the Cleveland Guardians early with an injury. He will now have to miss time while on the injured list.

Estevez endured an injury setback during a recent rehab appearance. Anne Rogers of MLB.com previously reported that Estevez suffered a right rotator cuff strain and will be re-evaluated in three weeks.

Estevez, 33, was an All-Star in 2025 but has appeared in only one game this year. It seemed as if he was close to returning before suffering the injury during his rehab assignment.

Ragans, 28, pitched to a 4.84 ERA in eight outings before landing on the IL. He was an All-Star in 2024 but was limited due to injury in 2025. It remains to be seen when he will return from his elbow injury.

The Royals are 17-21 overall and in fourth place in the American League Central standings. Kansas City is currently 2.5 games behind the Cleveland Guardians for first place.

For now, the ball club is focused on its game against the Tigers on Friday night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:40 PM EST.

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