Kris Bubic heads to the IL

A left rotator cuff strain makes it likely he won't pitch again this season.

Two starts ago, Kris Bubic's velocity was down a bit which was cause for concern among some. The Royals indicated he had been feeling under the weather, and he ultimately pitched five shutout innings while seeming in good spirits. Last night against Cleveland, however, he struggled mightily, walking the first four hitters he faced and ultimately giving up four runs, three earned, in only 2.2 innings while walking four and striking out only one.

Today, we found out he is headed to the IL with a left rotator cuff strain.

As noted in the embedded social media post, Bubic joins Cole Ragans and Michael Lorenzen on the IL. The Royals had already turned to Rich Hill to fill a rotation spot with Lorenzen out. Hill performed admirably, but clearly is not the same caliber of pitcher as the one he is replacing. Bubic was the de facto team ace given Ragans’ struggles with command and injury this season. Dallas Keuchel or Thomas Hatch won't be able to fill his shoes.

Rotator cuff strains are serious injuries for pitchers. It could very well sideline him for the remainder of the season. A September return would seem the absolute best-case scenario. Missing three of their starting pitchers and without adequate replacements on a team that relies on their starters to keep them in the game due to a sluggish offense, the Royals already flagging playoff odds just took another massive hit.

At least it means Royals fans will almost certainly get to see him pitch in 2026. It also probably gives the Royals some real clarity in how to approach the remaining few days until the trade deadline.

The Royals haven't announced the move officially, but expect to see Jonathan Bowlan returned to the big league roster when they do.