Kansas City Royals relief pitcher John McMillon lands on 15-day injured list: details

The Kansas City Royals placed reliever John McMillon on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to Aug. 28) with a strained right forearm.

McMillon, 25, made his MLB debut earlier this month. He posted a 2.25 ERA and eight strikeouts in four appearances.

He allowed one hit — a solo home run to Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh — in his first outing. He has pitched three scoreless innings since his Aug. 17 debut.

“Well, he pitched in Seattle and we were going to give him the next day off,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Then, he was a little sore the next day.”

McMillon played catch before Wednesday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Quatraro said the team monitored the pre-game session.

“We wanted to see how he felt and he is a little sore,” Quatraro said. “I don’t have much more information than that for you right now.”

The Royals are dealing with multiple pitching injuries. KC is without starting pitchers Brad Keller, Daniel Lynch IV and Kris Bubic. Relievers Josh Staumount, Josh Taylor and Jake Brentz are also sidelined.

The injuries have altered the Royals’ bullpen. Several relievers are operating in different roles, depending on game situations. The Royals have also given opportunities to some of their younger prospects.

Also on Wednesday, the Royals activated veteran reliever Taylor Clarke from the family medical emergency list. Clarke has made 55 appearances this season. He owns a 5.55 ERA in 48 2/3 innings with the Royals.

“He’s a guy that’s been here and knows how to pitch in several different roles,” Quatraro said. “We look forward to having someone of his experience back.”

The Royals were set to conclude a three-game series against the Pirates Wednesday night at Kauffman Stadium.