Kansas City Royals news: Cole Ragans exits early

*Estévez was traveling back from Indianapolis, where the Storm Chasers were playing, on Wednesday. He’ll undergo further testing and evaluation on Thursday, manager Matt Quatraro said after the Royals’ 3-1 loss to the Guardians on Wednesday night.*

*He averaged 90 mph with his four-seam fastball on Wednesday – a pitch he averaged 95.9 mph with last season. His changeup registered at 81.2 mph, while his slider clocked in at an 81.4 mph on average.* Eric Cerantola, who made his MLB debut last night, was tabbed as a prospect with future closer potential. *Cerantola spent all of 2025 with Triple-A Omaha and found some success, posting a 4.04 ERA and 29.6 percent strikeout rate over 49 innings. He’s returned to the International League for this season and been even more dominant (1.42 ERA, 33.3 K%) and a big reason is that he took his slider — which was already his primary pitch, and a dominant one — and improved it by adding about five inches more drop and cutting some of the gloveside break. He’s thrown the slide piece 56.8 percent of the time, and opponents have a .069 average and 59.2 percent whiff rate against it. He also shows a mid-90s four-seamer*. Josh Hammond breaks into the Baseball America top 100 prospect list at #94, joining Kendry Chourio at #53. [$] “In high school, Hammond was a standout, two-way talent. As a pro, he’s hitting only—but he’s really hitting. He jumped straight to Low-A and has been one of the most productive players on his team and in the Carolina League overall. If he develops the way the Royals hope, he could be a true five-tool talent.” Kevin O’Brien of Royals Keep talked about how the Royals have won the Isaac Collins/Nick Mears trade. O’Brien also talks about the Royals starting rotation. Hawaiian Bros changes the terms of their promotion with the Royals to make it “buy one, get one free”. With a new Royals stadium downtown, what is next for Washington Square Park? The Cubs won their 14th straight home game, with another walk-off. Framber Valdez is suspended five games for throwing at a hitter, and will miss this weekend against the Royals. Paul Skenes is back to doing Paul Skenes things after a shaky Opening Day start. Tarik Skubal’s injury leaves the Tigers in an uncertain place. Bunting and small ball is back! Walks are surging in baseball and it may be because of ABS. [$] Walks are surging in baseball, and it may be because of ABS. Today’s song of the day is *Riptide* by Vance Joy