Royals will try out pitcher acquired in Nicky Lopez trade, as Zack Greinke hits the IL
The Kansas City Royals placed veteran pitcher Zack Greinke on the 15-day injured list (retroactive Aug. 7) with right posterior elbow soreness.
Greinke, 39, last pitched Sunday against the Philadelphia Phillies. He allowed seven hits and five runs in four innings of work. Greinke threw 59 pitches, allowed two home runs and almost got a chance record an at-bat in the start.
“I think he has been battling little aches and pains throughout,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “I think we just weighed the options of him either fighting through this, and maybe needing extra time, or just letting it calm down and getting him back the last five or six starts of the year.”
The Royals recalled pitcher Taylor Hearn from Triple-A Omaha. Hearn, who was acquired from the Atlanta Braves at the MLB trade deadline, will add depth in a bullpen role.
Greinke is 1-12 with a 5.53 ERA this season. He has made 22 starts and tossed 110 2/3 innings in his 20th MLB season. Greinke previously landed on the injured list with right shoulder tendonitis on July 5.
He missed one start and returned after the All-Star Break. Quatraro hopes this injury can follow a similar timeline.
“I’m really hopeful it’s just the 15 days,” Quatraro said.
The Royals have dealt with several injuries to their starting rotation. KC is without Daniel Lynch IV, Kris Bubic and Brad Keller as well. This has created opportunities for young prospects Cole Ragans and Alec Marsh to earn starts.
Ragans struck out 11 batters against the Boston Red Sox on Monday night. Marsh will start Thursday’s series finale in Boston. The Royals will also rely on veterans Brady Singer and Jordan Lyles to round out the starting rotation.
Singer earned his eighth victory Tuesday. He pitched 6 2/3 innings and allowed three runs. He struck out four batters as the Royals cruised to a 9-3 victory over the Red Sox at Fenway Park.
Hearn, meanwhile, is set to make his Royals debut. He has a 14.73 ERA in five appearances this season. However, he posted a 4.22 ERA in the minor leagues.
Hearn has spent time with the Braves and Texas Rangers this year.
