Jac Caglianone's injury scare was almost a full-blown Royals nightmare (but concerns remain)

What's one thing that every fan base would probably all agree on? Well, besides the fact that the umpires seem to always have it out for their team and their team only. It would be that injuries stink. They pop up at the most inconvenient times and can even derail a team’s promising season. For blossoming Kansas City Royals' star Jac Caglianone, injuries are starting to become a frustratingly common occurrence. And that is something that could hold the Royals back. 

During the Royals' September 5 matchup against the Toronto Blue Jays, Caglianone suffered an elbow injury that forced him out of the game in the third inning. As reported by MLB.com’s Anne Rogers, Caglianone's injury seemed to occur following two outfield throws early in the game. If you've watched enough baseball, then you know that you never want to hear about an injury to a player's elbow because those can often be the most costly. 

Fortunately for Caglianone, he has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 left flexor strain, an injury that is not expected to land him on the IL. It's just about the best case scenario for any elbow injury. While the Royals are in no rush to throw their young slugger back out there before he is fully healed, the team doesn't appear to be too conservative on their approach either. 

“Now that we know it’s low grade, then we can progress a little more aggressively when the time comes,” Royals’ manager Matt Quatraro said of Caglianone’s injury. 

Despite the obvious good news, his injury may act as something of a wake-up call for Royals’ fans. With his above average height and weight, the rising star could soon be facing an issue that has always seemed to plague larger players. And that issue is being labeled as injury-prone. 

Jac Caglianone needs to stay healthy in order for the Royals to take that next step 

At just 23 years old, Caglianone is young enough to brush off the minor injuries fairly quickly and fully recover without missing much time. Back in August, the outfielder suffered a mild ankle injury that sidelined him for a couple of games. At a distance, the minor injuries are nothing to worry about and just a part of the wear and tear of a lengthy Major League season. 

However, the Royals are certainly aware of the pros and cons of a player like Caglianone. While there have been lengthy debates regarding how injury-prone larger players are, there aren’t exactly any definitive answers as of yet. But it is something worth keeping an eye out for moving forward. 

Barring any sudden jumps in his defensive ability, Caglianone will likely always be considered a bat-first player. With the kind of pop that he is able to supply, his defensive deficiencies are something a team like the Royals will put up with. Although discussions are currently centered around whether or not he should stay in the outfield or move to first base, Caglianone may eventually settle in as a full-time DH down the line. This would be a move that could also benefit his long-term durability.     

If the Royals wish to become playoff contenders next season, they will need Caglianone’s bat to stay in the lineup at all costs. After he made his dreadful debut in 2025, it seemed like Bobby Witt Jr. would have to wait a little longer to find his complimentary piece. But this season has been an awakening for Caglianone, albeit an inconsistent one. Through 131 games in 2026, he's batting .283 with an OPS of .825. 

As Carter Jensen continues to develop into a formidable Major League bat, the Royals have the potential to feature a scary three-headed monster in the lineup for years to come. But that monster could be slayed if Caglianone is unable to stay healthy.      

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