Cole Ragans exits with injury in first inning as Royals drop series finale vs. Guardians

Jaylon Thompson, The Kansas City Star on Apr 8, 2026

Published in Baseball

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CLEVELAND — The Kansas City Royals received an early injury scare against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday afternoon.

Royals ace Cole Ragans exited in the first inning with a left thumb contusion. He was drilled by a 92.4-mph line drive off the bat of Guardians star Jose Ramirez.

Ragans knocked the ball down. However, he immediately winced and flexed his left hand. He initially stayed in the game but came out two batters later.

“Just a little stiff,” Ragans said postgame. “Obviously, wore it directly off the hand, but should be good to go.”

The Guardians scored three runs in the frame — including a two-run double from rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter — as the Royals fell 10-2 in the series finale at Progressive Field.

Ragans entered his start with a 3.60 ERA. He recorded two strikeouts before sustaining the injury.

“It’s one of things where it’s probably the right thing to do,” Ragans said of his early exit. “But, you know, I think all of us in here are competitors. We want to play every chance we get. So yeah, obviously aggravating for me, just because I felt so good prior to that.”

With Ragans sidelined, the Royals turned to their bullpen earlier than expected. KC relievers had to cover 7 1/3 innings against the Guardians.

Royals right-hander Luinder Avila allowed one earned run in three innings. He turned things over to Alex Lange, who proceeded to throw 2 1/3 innings. Lange surrendered a run and recorded two strikeouts.

“They battled,” manager Matt Quatraro said of the bullpen. “You know, Avila, that’s a big ask for him. Three days rest off of 70-something pitches. He goes back out and get rushed to get into the game. But that’s what happens when you are in the ‘pen. You’ve got to be ready and I thought he competed well.”

Still, the Royals couldn’t climb out of an early hole. The club was down four runs when Bobby Witt Jr. delivered an RBI double. It was his first extra-base hit this season.

Witt was stranded at second to end the fourth inning. Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez and Carter Jensen were retired in order.

KC scored another run an inning later. This time, Lane Thomas scored on a double from Starling Marte. The Guardians had trouble in the outfield, which allowed Thomas to cross home plate.

The Royals wouldn’t do further damage. Cleveland starter Joey Cantillo earned his first win after recording nine strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings. He entered Wednesday with a 1.62 ERA in five prior outings against the Royals.

“We didn’t score enough to beat him,” Quatraro said. “Yeah, it was frustrating. The guys were battling back and he’s got good stuff. We didn’t put the ball in play enough. Those at-bats have to get better and the guys know that.”

Royals’ offense faltered against Cleveland

In the series, the Royals recorded seven runs and 17 hits. The club finished 2 for 20 with runners in scoring position and left 21 men on base.

The Royals also had 28 strikeouts across the last two days.

“It sucks,” Witt said of the missed scoring chances. “But you just play the game and keep getting better. And you keep improving and keep preparing to the best of your ability. Then you look up and you are going to be in a good spot.”

The Royals had a final scoring chance in the eighth. This time, Salvador Perez flew out with two runners aboard to end the threat.

“It’s just getting a good plan at the plate,” Witt said. “As individuals and hitters, we’re more of like a contact team, too, apply pressure to other teams. So we’ve just got to get back to doing that. And then, when it’s time, the boppers and everyone will hit the homers when we need to. It’s just time to get back to playing our baseball.”

The Guardians put the game away in the bottom half. Angel Martinez hit a grand slam off Royals reliever Steven Cruz to seal the victory.

Cleveland (8-5) won the series outright. The Guardians have won 10 of their last 16 games against the Royals. The clubs will meet again May 4-7 for a four-game series at Kauffman Stadium.

The Royals (5-7) will return home Thursday. It will be the start of a four-game homestand against the Chicago White Sox.

What’s next?

Royals right-hander Seth Lugo (1-0, 1.59 ERA) will start Thursday night against the White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. He will oppose left-hander Anthony Kay (0-0, 4.00 ERA). First pitch is set for 6:40 p.m. Central.