SerpApi.Org
Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro provided an injury update on right-handed pitcher Stephen Kolek ahead of Tuesday’s game against the San Francisco Giants at Kauffman Stadium.
Kolek dealing with a right-flexor strain. The Royals placed him on the 15-day injured list Sunday after he exited early from a tune-up start at Triple-A Omaha.
The Royals evaluated Kolek on Monday. He received an MRI and met with team doctor Vincent Key about the injury.
Now it seems Kolek will need a further evaluation.
“He’s going to get a second opinion after meeting with Dr. Key yesterday,” Quatraro said. “So we don’t really have any further update right now.”
The Royals haven’t scheduled the second opinion just yet. Quatraro said a specific date for that exam is still being worked out.
Kolek owns a 4.50 ERA in 10 starts this season. He last pitched two innings against the Tampa Bay Rays on July 2.
The Royals are currently without All-Star pitchers Cole Ragans (UCL surgery), Kris Bubic (left-shoulder soreness) and Carlos Estévez (right-rotator cuff strain).
Additionally, the club is missing young pitchers Ryan Bergert (Tommy John surgery) and Ben Kudrna (olecranon stress fracture fixation surgery).
With so many pieces unavailable, the Royals have cobbled together a starting rotation. Top veterans Michael Wacha and Seth Lugo are currently joined by youngsters Luinder Avila and Noah Cameron and journeyman Randy Dobnak.
Avila will start Tuesday’s game against the San Francisco Giants. He has a 5.08 ERA in 18 games (nine starts) this season.
