The Kansas City Royals have placed starting pitcher Ryan Bergert on the injured list after he experienced right forearm tightness in the bullpen before Wednesday night's 7-5 win over the Seattle Mariners.
Bergert was scheduled to start Kansas City's game Friday against the Toronto Blue Jays.
Bergert's start will be taken by right-hander Michael Lorenzen, who was originally scheduled to pitch multiple innings in relief Wednesday. Lorenzen still made his first relief appearance in the regular season since Sept. 28, 2024, at Atlanta, after starting each of his first 24 appearances. He retired the side in the fifth inning on 12 pitches and has a 1.29 ERA (1 ER in 7.0 IP) in three regular-season relief appearances with the Royals.
Wednesday's starter, Cole Ragans, got a no-decision for the Royals after pitching 3â…” innings in his first start since June 5 after coming off the injured list with a strained left rotator cuff.
Along with Bergert going on the IL, the Royals placed outfielder Kyle Isbel on the injured list and recalled reliever Luinder Avila and outfielder John Rave from Triple-A Omaha.
Isbel has hit .255 with four homers and 33 RBIs in 135 appearances for the Royals this season.
The 24-year-old Avila made his big league debut earlier this season and has proved he could be a legitimate piece of the bullpen next season. He has allowed one earned run over eight appearances across 9â…“ innings with the Royals.
Rave also made his big league debut this season. He is hitting .199 with four homers and 13 RBIs in 63 games.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
