KC Royals Short Handed Heading into Tigers Series

The KC Royals were already having trouble with their starting rotation, as any starting pitcher not named Edinson Volquez had been struggling this season. However, it had looked as though Jason Vargas, at the very least, was getting himself back on track after his starts against the Indians. Naturally, head into this important early season series against the Detroit Tigers, they will be without his services.

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Vargas was placed on the disabled list earlier today with a strained flexor muscle in his left elbow, an injury that would naturally be troubling. Fortunately for the Royals and Vargas, further tests did not show any damage to his ulnar collateral ligament, meaning that he will not be making that dreaded visit to Dr. James Andrews for Tommy John surgery. In his place, the Royals have brought Yohan Pino back to the major league roster.

Chris Young, the pitcher that was considered most likely to take Jeremy Guthrie‘s spot in the rotation if the Royals made a move, will be taking Vargas’ spot. Now, the Royals will be able to get an extended look at Young as a starter, which may help Dayton Moore decide upon his future plans as the season continues forward.

Furthering the Royals difficult Friday, Mike Moustakas will also not be available for this series. He is being placed on bereavement leave, and is not eligible to return until Monday at the earliest. While details as to the nature of the family situation are not available, our thoughts are with Moose and hopefully everything turns out well.

Finally, in amid all of the bad news, the KC Royals have had one bright spot on the day. Alcides Escobar has been activated from the concussion list, and should be back in the lineup tonight. Now the Royals will have their leadoff hitter back, although Alex Gordon has fared quite well in that role since Escobar was injured.

While is never a good time for injuries to occur, heading into the Tigers series makes these especially painful. Hopefully, this is just a bump in the road, and like the other adversity that the KC Royals have faced, will be overcome.

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