Jason Vargas Injury: Updates on Royals Pitcher's Elbow and Return

Tim DanielsJul 22, 2015

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Jason Vargas suffered a UCL tear during his start against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Tuesday. The left-hander is expected to miss the rest of the 2015 campaign after being placed on the disabled list, and his status for next season is uncertain.

Continue for updates.

Vargas Reportedly Needs Tommy John Surgery; Could Miss 2016

Thursday, July 23

The Royals confirmed Vargas' placement on the disabled list and recalled Yordano Ventura, who was just sent down Tuesday, to take his place on the roster.

Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports reports Tommy John surgery is the next step for Vargas, which means the recovery period could extend through next season, as well.

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“The images show there was nothing left in there,” Vargas said, according to Matthew DeFranks of Sports radio 810 in Kansas City. “We’ll move forward and take care of the problem and get better. I think we did everything we could to put ourselves in the best situation. Unfortunately, when we went out there to compete at the highest level, it ended up giving out. There was really nothing else we could do.”
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The 32-year-old veteran had just returned from the disabled list, which necessitated Ventura's demotion, after missing six weeks because of a strained left flexor muscle. He lasted just 1.1 innings Tuesday before leaving the game. He finishes the year with a 3.98 ERA in nine starts.

Instead of receiving a boost to the rotation, Kansas City must now go back to Ventura much quick than it had hoped. Last year's breakout sensation sports an ugly 5.19 ERA through 15 starts and could have used a few starts in the minors to find his comfort zone again.

If everything goes perfectly in Vargas' recovery, there's a chance he could be ready for the latter stages of next season. But pitchers rarely return from that type of injury in top form, which would make it difficult for the Royals to put him in the rotation if they are battling for the playoffs again.

He remains under contract through 2017, per Spotrac, so there's no rush to get back to prove himself, either. He can take a more conservative approach to ensure he doesn't suffer any setbacks along the way.