Cole Ragans Injury News & Updates

Ragans (7-5) took the loss Thursday, allowing four runs on five hits and four walks over 6.1 innings against the Tigers. He struck out eight.

Ragans shut out the Tigers over the first six innings, but ran into trouble in the bottom of the seventh after allowing a single and back-to-back walks. The lefty would eventually be charged with four runs in the frame, though two of those runs came across after he was relieved by Carlos Hernandez. Ragans has now allowed four or more runs in two of his last three starts, though it was the third consecutive outing in which he's gone at least six innings. He's also issued four walks in back-to-back starts.

Ragans (7-4) yielded two runs on three hits and four walks over six innings Friday, striking out five and picking up a win over Houston.

Ragans gave up a run in each of the first two innings but was able to limit the damage and earn a win in his quality start. It was a solid rebound after the Astros tagged him for five runs in his last appearance but he's now walked 12 batters over his last 17.2 frames. Ragans owns a 2.34 ERA and an 81:23 K:BB in 11 starts since joining the Royals. He's lined up to take the mound in Detroit next week.

Ragans came away with a no-decision Saturday, surrendering five runs on six hits and two walks over six-plus innings as the Royals downed the Astros 10-8. He struck out seven.

The southpaw blanked Houston for four innings before beginning to unravel, but after putting the first two batters aboard in the seventh, Ragans still left the mound in line for his seventh win before Collin Snider served up a game-tying homer to Jose Altuve. Ragans has been a revelation since being acquired from Texas in the Aroldis Chapman deal, delivering a 2.28 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 76:19 K:BB through 59.1 innings over his first 10 starts for Kansas City. He lines up for a rematch with the Astros back in Houston next weekend.

Ragans allowed two runs on one hit and six walks while striking out six over 5.2 innings Sunday against the Blue Jays. He did not factor into the decision.

Ragans was cruising for most of the game until the wheels fell off in the sixth. He got the first two batters out of the frame but then proceeded to walk four straight and threw two very wild pitches that allowed two runs to score before he wound up being replaced in the inning by Taylor Clarke. It was an uncharacteristic ending to the outing for Ragans, who is fresh off winning the August AL pitcher of the month honors. The 25-year-old now boasts a 1.69 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 69:17 K:BB in 53.1 innings since debuting with the Royals on July 15. He's lined up for a tough matchup against the Astros in the new week.

Ragans (6-4) earned the win Monday against the White Sox, allowing two runners (one hit and one hit-by-pitch) over six scoreless innings. He struck out seven.

Ragans' amazing renaissance continued on Monday afternoon as he retired the first 13 batters faced. In total, he only had to face 19 total batters to record 18 outs while generating 22 swings-and-misses. Ragans has been elite since debuting for the Royals on July 15. In eight starts since then, he's had a 1.51 ERA and 11.9 K/9 over 47.2 innings.

Ragans did not factor into the decision Tuesday, allowing three hits and one walk over seven scoreless innings against the Pirates. He struck out nine.

Ragans turned in yet another dominant performance, holding the Pirates scoreless across seven frames while fanning nine batters. The southpaw has now recorded back-to-back scoreless starts and boasts a 1.72 ERA and a 53:9 K:BB in August (36.2 innings). He's tentatively scheduled to take on the White Sox at Kauffman Stadium for his next start.

Ragans (5-4) earned the win Wednesday, allowing two hits over six scoreless innings while striking out 11 in a 4-0 win over Oakland.

Ragans blanked the A's for six innings Wednesday, matching a season high with 11 strikeouts en route to his third win in his last five starts. The 25-year-old southpaw has been quietly excellent since he was recalled from Triple-A on Aug 2, pitching to a 1.93 ERA while recording 44 strikeouts in five starts (32.2 innings). Ragans' ERA is down to 3.66 with a 1.27 WHIP and 71:24 K:BB across 59 innings between Kansas City and Texas this season. He'll look to keep rolling in his next outing, tentatively lined up for next week against Pittsburgh.

Ragans (4-4) permitted three runs on eight hits and two walks over six innings to collect a win Friday versus the Cubs. He struck out nine.

Ragans had a rough fourth inning when the Cubs dinged him for three runs on five hits. He was in control otherwise, allowing just five baserunners and no runs across his other five frames. Ragans induced 14 swinging strikes on 106 pitches and his final pitch of the game was actually his hardest thrown, as he hit 98.4 mph in getting Patrick Wisdom to go down swinging to end the sixth. It's a nice bounce-back effort from Ragans after he was shaky against the Cardinals in his last outing.

Ragans (3-4) took the loss Saturday, allowing four runs on seven hits and four walks over five innings against St. Louis. He struck out five.

Ragans made his fourth start of the season Saturday and entered the contest having allowed just two runs in 17.2 innings to go along with a 22:4 K:BB as a starter, but he struggled mightily with the Cardinals. He served up four runs while setting a season high in walks and tying his season high in hits allowed. Ragans is tentatively scheduled for a potential bounce-back start against the Cubs at Wrigley Field next week.

Ragans allowed two runs (one earned) on four hits and a walk over 6.2 innings in Monday's loss to Boston. He struck out 11 and did not factor in the decision.

Ragans gave up an unearned run in the third inning followed by another run in the fifth. He's been terrific over his last three MLB appearances, compiling a 22:4 K:BB while allowing just two earned runs over 17.2 frames. His 11 punchouts and 18 whiffs Monday were both new career highs. Ragans' next outing is projected to at home against the Cardinals.

Ragans is scheduled to start Monday's series opener against the Red Sox at Fenway Park, Pete Abraham of The Boston Globe reports.

Kansas City ranks 27th in the majors this season with a 5.19 ERA from its starting pitchers, so Ragans will unsurprisingly stick around in the rotation after he submitted a gem of an outing his last time out Wednesday against the Mets. In that start -- his second of the season after he tossed five innings of one-run ball against the Rays on July 15 -- Ragans struck out eight over six shutout frames and scattered seven hits and one walk. He'll tentatively line up for two starts this week, with his second turn likely to come Saturday versus the Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium.

Ragans (3-3) allowed seven hits and a walk while striking out eight over six shutout innings to earn the win Wednesday over the Mets.

Ragans turned in his best outing of the year after joining the Royals' rotation. With Daniel Lynch (shoulder) shut down into mid-August, Ragans may get a chance to stick as a starter for a while. He's compiled a 4.33 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 35:17 K:BB through 35.1 innings over 19 appearances (two starts). The 25-year-old southpaw is tentatively projected for a road start in Boston next week if he remains in the rotation.

Kansas City recalled Ragans from Triple-A Omaha ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday against the Mets.

Ragans pitched pretty well in a spot start for the Royals last month against the Rays, but the 25-year-old left-hander owns a career 5.06 ERA, 1.43 WHIP and 54:32 K:BB in 69.1 total innings of work at the major-league level. He is not a recommended fantasy streamer versus New York.

Ragans will be promoted from Triple-A Omaha to start Wednesday's game against the Mets, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Wednesday's start was originally supposed to go to Alec Marsh, but Marsh's start will be pushed back to the weekend because he entered Tuesday's game out of the bullpen. Ragans holds a 4.13 ERA and 1.38 WHIP through 28.1 innings in Triple-A this season, but he surrendered just one run over five innings during his start against the Rays on July 15.

Ragans was returned to Triple-A Omaha on Saturday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The move comes shortly after Ragans fared well in a spot start in the second game of a doubleheader against the Rays, as the lefty fanned three over five innings of one-run ball. Ragans was the 27th man Saturday, so the Royals could bring him back at any time rather than have to wait 15 days had he been recalled and optioned. There would seem to be a good chance Ragans has earned another start at some point next week.

Ragans will be called up from Triple-A Omaha to start Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader against the Rays.

Ragans holds a 4.19 ERA and 1.29 WHIP through five starts in Triple-A, and Saturday will mark his first start in the majors this season. He made 17 appearances out of the bullpen with Texas, putting up a 5.92 ERA and 1.40 WHIP through 24.1 frames. Ragans has only made four appearances of two innings or more in the majors this season, so he'll likely be relieved relatively quickly Saturday.

The Rangers traded Ragans and Roni Cabrera to the Royals on Friday in exchange for Aroldis Chapman.

Ragans was a first-round pick (30th overall) in the 2016 MLB Draft, but he has posted an underwhelming 5.32 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 51:30 K:BB in 64.1 career major-league innings. The 25-year-old left-hander will report to the Royals' Triple-A affiliate in Omaha. Cabrera, a 17-year-old outfield prospect, is the headliner of the return for Kansas City.

Texas optioned Ragans to Triple-A Round Rock on Tuesday, Kennedi Landry of MLB.com reports.

Ragans yielded four runs -- three earned -- over just 1.2 innings of relief in Monday night's loss to the Angels. He carries a 5.92 ERA in 17 major-league appearances this year.

Ragans allowed four runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four over three innings in Monday's 12-0 loss to Atlanta.

Ragans ceded his first two home runs of the season in cleanup work following rookie starter Cody Bradford (six ER, five IP). Eating multiple innings in relief is Ragans' job, and he's hit some bumps along the way. The left-hander has allowed 12 runs over his last 12.1 innings.

Ragans allowed five runs on three hits and one walk over two-thirds of an inning in Tuesday's 7-6 loss to the Reds. He also hit a batter.

Ragans managed to avoid getting the loss -- that went to Ian Kennedy -- but the fault falls mostly on Ragans. It was second straight bullpen meltdown by Texas relievers. The 'pen had been strong to begin the season but are in a rough patch, posting a 6.75 ERA over 13.1 innings since the start of the series with the Athletics last week.

Ragans (2-1) allowed two runs on five hits while striking out three over four innings, picking up the loss in Saturday's game against the Astros.

Ragans was forced to enter the game when starter Jon Gray was removed following a comebacker off his elbow. That's never an easy situation for a pitcher, but the 25-year-old lefty filled up the zone (40 of 55 pitches for strikes) in an effort to get quick outs and eat up as many innings as possible. "Cole did a good job for us, gave us some much needed innings," Texas manager Bruce Bochy told Kenndi Landry of MLB.com. "He did a really nice job getting us some length to the seventh inning." Gray's injury appears to be a minor one, and he could make his next start, so Ragans may not be needed for a spot start. The lefty, who was a minor-league starter, has adjusted well to a bullpen role in 2023, giving up two runs on seven hits while striking out nine over nine innings (six outings). Of note, after issuing four free passes in his first 3.1 innings, Ragans is walk-free over the last 5.2 frames.

Ragans (2-0) retired both batter faced in the top of the 10th inning to earn the win over Kansas City.

Ragans entered with one out and two on in the top of the 10th inning and gave up a flyball that plated a run charged to Jose Leclerc before getting the final out. When the Rangers plated four in the bottom half, it made Ragans a winner for the second time in 2023. The young left-hander has not allowed a run in five relief outings.

Ragans allowed one hit and struck out three over a scoreless 1.1 innings in Friday's 2-0 loss to the Cubs.

Ragans held the Cubs in check over the end of the sixth and all of the seventh innings, but Texas bats (three hits) could never get on track. The hard-throwing left hander has walked four batters over 3.1 innings but has managed to prevent damage while striking out five. With the news that Jake Odorizzi will have season-ending shoulder surgery, Ragans should continue to serve as a reliever capable of multiple innings.

Ragans has given up nine runs (eight earned) over the seven innings as a reliever.

Ragans is one of several starters but will need to work as a reliver if he wins a roster spot. He made noise early in camp when starting but has run afoul in two recent relief outings. In his most recent outing Thursday, he struggled early with command, and the Rangers used the spring re-entry rule for him to start the next inning. He ended up giving them another three innings. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy will decide if he's best suited for a multi-inning relief role in MLB or have him continue on a starter's trajectory at Triple-A Round Rock.

Ragans allowed two runs on four hits and one walk while striking out five over 3.2 innings in Saturday's start against the Reds.

Ragans dominated Cincinnati early, getting through the first three innings one batter over the minimum, but the left-hander tired in the fourth. Nevertheless, Ragans has been one of the top stories in camp due to the increased velocity of his fastball. He leads Texas with 14 strikeouts over 9.2 innings. With the rotation all but set in stone, Ragans, who made nine starts for Texas last season, could serve in the bullpen at the MLB-level or continue on a starter's path at Triple-A Round Rock and be ready when the Rangers need a fill-in.

Ragans allowed one run on two hits while striking out four over three innings in Sunday's spring start against the Angels.

Ragans allowed a leadoff triple then retired nine of the next 10 batters faced. The left-hander turned heads this spring with a significant increase in velocity. The pitcher who sat at 92.1 mph during a nine-start introduction to the majors last season is living around 94-96 -- and topped out at 99 a couple of times -- in Cactus League play. Ragans has allowed one run and walked just one (3.6 BB/9 last season) over six spring innings. "He's pounding the strike zone. And then you look at the stuff, there's no getting around it," Texas manager Bruce Bochy said. "It's up from where it was last year, the velocity, but you look at the offspeed pitches, the changeup, the breaking ball -- he's been sharp from Day One, including bullpens and live BPs." Ragans is expected to serve as a depth starter in the organization, but with nagging spring injuries among the projected rotation, he could be up sooner rather than later.

Texas manager Bruce Bochy said Ragans was hitting 95-96 mph during his first Cactus League start last Sunday, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

Ragans' fastball velocity was 92.1 mph in 2022, putting him squarely in the 19th percentile among pitchers. The velocity increase is startling. "I went back and looked at (last year's) games when I came over, and watched him," Bochy said. "It was impressive, wasn't it? He was bumping 96 (mph). I didn't see that in (last year's) games." The left-hander said he was on a program at a place called Tread Athletics, which he credits with the added 3-4 mph velocity. He's not a projected member of the five-man rotation, but he could move up among the depth options given the uptick in velocity.

Ragans allowed one walk and struck out three over two scoreless innings in Sunday's spring game against Cleveland.

Ragans made nine starts in the majors last season but should serve as an organizational depth option in 2023 after Texas added several seasoned starters during the offseason. The lefty had a pair of Tommy John elbow surgeries that wiped out 2018 through 2020 and could use more starts in the minors. In 40 innings against major-league hitters, Ragans' 9.2 BB% and 1.35 HR/9 were higher than league average and his 15.5 K% was lower than average.

Ragans was placed on the 15-day injured list with a left calf strain Monday.

Ragans made his final start of the year against the Angels on Saturday and allowed a run on four hits and a walk while striking out two in five innings to settle for a no-decision. Even though he wouldn't have pitched again in 2022, he's dealing with a calf issue that will force him to finish the year on the IL. It's not yet clear whether the injury will have any impact on his offseason program.

Ragans allowed a run on four hits and a walk while striking out two over five innings to take a no-decision versus the Angels on Saturday.

Ragans threw just 43 of 71 pitches for strikes, but it ended up being an effective outing nonetheless. His lone mistake was an RBI single to Kurt Suzuki in the second inning, which was the only run in the contest until both teams scored twice in the seventh. Despite the solid outing, Ragans finishes his first major-league campaign still in search of a win. He put up a 4.95 ERA, 1.48 WHIP and 27:16 K:BB across 40 innings over nine starts after debuting in August.

Ragans (0-3) took the loss Sunday, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits and one walk over five innings against the Guardians. He struck out three.

After facing the minimum through two innings, Ragans ran into trouble in the third. The Guardians recorded four singles in the inning, which along with a throwing error, led to Cleveland scoring four runs. Ragans made it through the next two innings with relative ease, but it wasn't enough to avoid taking his third loss. Sunday marks his first start of at least five innings since Aug. 17, a trend he will try to continue in his next start, which will likely come against the Angels this weekend.

Ragans allowed two runs on seven hits and no walks while striking out five over 4.2 innings in a no-decision versus the Angels on Tuesday.

Ragans limited the damage to a Matt Duffy two-run home run in the second inning, which went down the left-field line. This was Ragans' fourth straight no-decision, and it was also his longest of three starts since returning from a calf injury. The southpaw lowered his season ERA to 5.40 with a 1.57 WHIP and 22:14 K:BB, and he notably avoided issuing a walk for the first time in seven outings. He's projected for a weekend start at home versus the Guardians.

Ragans took a no-decision Tuesday versus the Athletics, allowing seven runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out five in four innings.

Ragans got a bit more stretched out, throwing 70 pitches (48 strikes) in his second start back from a calf injury. He's had trouble with Oakland through his first two starts versus the Rangers' divisional rivals, allowing 10 runs across nine innings. The 24-year-old southpaw is clearly still adjusting to the majors with a 5.68 ERA and 1.58 WHIP through 25.1 innings, though he was able to walk just one batter for the second time in six starts. He's projected for a home start versus the Angels next week.

Ragans (calf) issued three walks and struck out three over three scoreless and hitless innings in a no-decision versus the Astros on Wednesday.

Ragans missed a couple of weeks with a minor left calf strain. The southpaw was solid, though a little wild, in his return. He threw 49 pitches (26 strikes) in this outing, and he's yet to complete more than five innings in any of his five major-league appearances. He has a 3.80 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 12:13 K:BB through 21.1 innings for the Rangers. Ragans should continue to get an extended look in the rotation, and he's projected for a favorable home start versus the Athletics next week.

Ragans (calf) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list ahead of Wednesday's start against the Astros.

Ragans landed on the IL in late August due to a left calf strain, but his injury wasn't considered serious, and he'll rejoin the Rangers' rotation following a relatively brief absence. Over his first four major-league starts, the 24-year-old has posted a 4.42 ERA and 1.53 WHIP in 18.1 innings.

Ragans (calf) will start Wednesday's game in Houston, Levi Weaver of The Athletic reports.

This was anticipated earlier in the week and now we have confirmation. Ragans logged a 4.42 ERA, 1.53 WHIP and 9:10 K:BB in 18.1 innings across his first four MLB starts.

Ragans (calf) appears on track to return from the 15-day injured list to start Wednesday's game in Houston, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News reports.

The Rangers haven't provided an update on Ragans' condition since he was forced to the IL on Aug. 26 with a left calf strain, but interim manager Tony Beasley previously downplayed the injury and fully expected the rookie to return in the minimum amount of time. Texas' decision to designate fill-in starter Dallas Keuchel for assignment Sunday seemingly supports the notion that Ragans will be ready to rejoin the rotation by the middle of the week. The Rangers could opt for a bullpen day Wednesday in the event Ragans isn't quite ready to go for the series finale in Houston.

Ragans was placed on the 15-day injured list with a strained left calf Friday.

Ragans made his MLB debut in early August and recorded a 4.42 ERA in his first four starts, though his 9:10 K:BB suggests things could have gone much worse. He'll miss at least two turns in the rotation, with Dallas Keuchel expected to take his place.

Ragans did not factor into the decision Monday, allowing one run on five hits and two walks over four innings against the Twins. He struck out two.

The Twins' rookie made it through four innings with only one run allowed despite failing to record a clean inning. His seven combined hits and walks allowed increased his WHIP to 1.53 over four starts this season, which is out of step with his 1.07 WHIP in 43.1 innings at Triple-A this season. Ragans will be hard to trust until he can start missing bats more often. He will take a 4.42 ERA into his next start.

Ragans (0-2) took the loss Wednesday, allowing three runs on four hits and one walk over five innings in a 7-2 loss against the Athletics. He struck out three.

The rookie was tagged for two home runs off the bat of Sean Murphy, which accounted for all three runs allowed on the night. He was able to get through five innings on just 83 pitches as he allowed just one walk, a welcome sign after he walked a combined seven over his first two starts in the big leagues. He will carry a 5.02 ERA into his next start.

Ragans (0-2) took the loss Thursday in Houston, allowing five runs on six hits and three walks while striking out one in 4.1 innings.

Ragans was unable to follow his strong big-league debut with a similar performance. Both Martin Maldonado and Alex Bregman launched moonshots off Ragans as the Astros got out to a 5-0 lead. He struggled with his command throughout the outing and tossed just 49 of his 88 pitches for strikes. Through 9.1 innings in the majors, the 24-year-old has a 4:7 K:BB after posting a 113:31 K:BB in 94.2 minor-league innings. His next start will likely be early next week against Oakland.

Ragans is listed as the Rangers' scheduled starting pitcher for Thursday's game in Houston.

The rookie southpaw will make his second straight turn through the rotation after he had a strong showing in his MLB debut last week against the White Sox, covering five innings and striking out three in a no-decision while allowing one unearned run on three hits and four walks. He'll need to cut down on the free passes to consistently succeed in the big leagues, but Ragans looks like he'll at least have a decent amount of leash in the Texas rotation while Jon Gray (oblique) is expected to be sidelined into September.

Ragans didn't factor into the decision during Thursday's 3-2 win against the White Sox, allowing an unearned run on three hits and four walks with three strikeouts in five innings.

Making his MLB debut, Ragans stranded the bases loaded in the first inning and kept the damage manageable in the next four frames with one run coming across due to an Adolis Garcia error in the third. The 2016 first-round pick tossed 55 of 93 pitches for strikes but was able to record only 7 called strikes with Chicago fouling off 43.6 percent off his offerings in the strike zone. The other concerning factor was four walks in five frames, though he issued a reasonable 2.9 BB/9 across 94.2 innings in the minors this season. Ragans will be in for a tough test with a matchup against Houston on the dockett next week.

Ragans' contract was selected from Triple-A Round Rock ahead of Thursday's start against the White Sox.

Ragans was a first-round pick in 2016 and will make his major-league debut during Thursday's series opener at Globe Life Field. The left-hander was promoted to Round Rock in mid-June and posted a 3.32 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 43.1 innings over eight Triple-A starts. If Ragans performs well Thursday, it wouldn't be surprising to see him remain in the Rangers' rotation.