The Kansas City Royals have suffered a double blow with the news that right-hander Ryan Bergert and prospect Ben Kudrna have undergone elbow surgeries. Bergert, acquired from San Diego at last year's deadline, underwent UCL reconstruction (Tommy John surgery), which will keep him out of action for at least a year, with a return to the field possibly not until the second half of 2027. This is a significant setback for the team, as Bergert had been performing well, posting a 3.66 ERA and striking out 22.6% of opponents over 76 1/3 frames. His early exit from his third start of the year and subsequent minor league injured list placement further highlight the severity of the injury.
Kudrna, a second-round pick in 2021, had an operation to repair an olecranon stress fracture. While the team did not provide a return timeline, it is safe to assume that both pitchers will miss the remainder of the season. The Royals' decision to add Kudrna to their 40-man roster over the offseason to protect him from the Rule 5 draft adds an interesting layer to the situation. With both players on the minor league injured list, the Royals have the option to carry them on the MLB 60-day IL, which would require paying them the prorated league minimum salary. This could be a strategic move to retain their rights, especially considering Kudrna's potential as an offseason non-tender candidate for extra roster flexibility.
The loss of these two pitchers is a significant challenge for the Royals, who are already facing a competitive season. Bergert's absence will likely impact the team's rotation depth, while Kudrna's injury raises questions about his long-term development. The team's strategy to manage these injuries and their potential long-term implications will be a key factor in their success moving forward. The Royals' front office will need to carefully consider their options, balancing the need for immediate relief with the long-term development of their young talent.
