Royals Pitchers Chris Young, Kris Medlen Suffer Injuries

The Royals starting rotation has been a disaster area the last two weeks. Part of the reason is that both Chris Young and Kris Medlen are suffering from injuries.

The Kansas City Royals announced Tuesday night that Chris Young had been removed from the rotation in favor of long reliever Dillon Gee. The front office admitted that Chris Young was suffering from a sore forearm and was headed back to Kansas City for an MRI.

According to Kansas City Star reporter Rustin Dodd, Young has been diagnosed with a muscle strain:

Chris Young has a muscle strain on the top of the forearm, Ned Yost said. He could be out a week. Possible DL candidate.
— Rustin Dodd (@rustindodd) May 12, 2016

The good news is that Young doesn’t have an elbow problem (which can manifest as forearm pain). The bad news is that Young could require a trip to the DL. Of course, the way he’s been pitching for the KC Royals, it’s addition by subtraction.

Young mentioned a lack of “late life” on his pitches (in particular his fastball). A sore forearm could very much explain the problem since the forearm pain might prevent him from putting that little extra bit of spin as the ball comes off his fingertips.

[Update: The Royals placed both Chris Young and Kris Medlen on the 15-day disabled list]

Dodd also Tweeted the following news about Kris Medlen:

Ned also said Medlen is experiencing a shoulder issue. He's getting it checked. His start is in jeopardy Sunday.
— Rustin Dodd (@rustindodd) May 12, 2016

Hmmm. Shoulder trouble sounds worse than a sore forearm, however at least it’s not elbow pain. With two Tommy John surgeries already, the last thing Medlen needs is another elbow issue.