Royals’ Kris Bubic to Miss Rest of Season Due to Injury
Kansas City Royals’ All-Star left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic will not play the rest of the 2025 season due to a strain in his left rotator cuff, the team announced on Monday.
Bubic, who gave bases on balls to the first four batters he faced, could only pitch 2 1/3 innings against Cleveland on Saturday. He needed 42 pitches to complete the first inning, allowing four runs and three hits in his shortest start since September 18, 2022.
The player has been dealing with shoulder discomfort for much of the season, but had managed to pitch at a high level. Despite his difficult start on Saturday, he maintains an ERA of 2.55, the fifth-best mark in the American League.
This news comes a day after the Royals agreed to a two-year, $46 million extension with right-handed pitcher Seth Lugo, reaffirming Kansas City’s intentions to aim for a playoff spot in a very open American League.
In addition to Lugo, the Royals’ rotation has weakened considerably. Left-hander Cole Ragans remains on the injured list due to a rotator cuff strain and is expected to return in late August, while right-hander Michael Lorenzen is progressing from his strained left oblique but may need a rehab start before returning to the Royals in August.
The Royals have already had to fill a position with Rich Hill, 45 years old, who performed well in his debut with the team last week.
