Royals' Cole Ragans Expects to Make Next Start After Thumb Injury

Ragans left Wednesday's game against the Guardians after taking a 92.4 mph line drive to his thumb.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 1:57pm

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A dynamic, colorful painting featuring bold, expressive brushstrokes that convey the raw power and motion of a baseball pitcher in action, without any identifiable details.An explosive, energetic illustration captures the intensity of a Royals pitcher delivering a pitch, despite a recent injury scare.Kansas City Today

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans was forced to exit his start against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday after taking a 92.4 mph line drive off his thumb. However, Ragans told reporters that he expects to make his next scheduled start, saying he just has a little stiffness but should be 'good to go'.

Why it matters

The Royals are counting on Ragans to be their ace this season after he had a strong 2024 campaign. His injury scare could have significantly impacted their rotation, but the initial diagnosis of a thumb contusion suggests he may only miss minimal time.

The details

Ragans was knocked out of the game in the first inning after being struck by the line drive. He was diagnosed with a thumb contusion and expects to make his next start, saying he 'felt really good' prior to the injury and just wants to 'keep going' despite the Royals being in a long stretch of games.

  • Ragans left Wednesday's game against the Guardians in the first inning after being hit by the line drive.

The players

Cole Ragans

The Kansas City Royals' starting pitcher who was forced to exit his start on Wednesday after taking a line drive to his thumb.

Cleveland Guardians

The Royals' opponent on Wednesday, who defeated Kansas City 10-2.

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What they’re saying

“Just a little stiff, obviously, wore it directly off the hand. But, you know, should be good to go.”

— Cole Ragans, Royals Pitcher

What’s next

The Royals will monitor Ragans' recovery and determine if he will make his next scheduled start.

The takeaway

Despite the injury scare, the initial diagnosis of a thumb contusion for Ragans is positive news for the Royals, who are counting on him to anchor their rotation this season.