Pitcher Carlos Hernandez among injured Kansas City Royals early in spring training
The Kansas City Royals are confronting a few injuries early in spring training.
On Tuesday, Royals manager Matt Quatraro provided an update on pitchers Carlos Hernandez and Christian Chamberlain and outfielder Hunter Renfroe.
Hernandez, 26, has right-shoulder soreness. The Royals have tried to manage the injury throughout camp. Hernandez recently threw a bullpen session, but the injury continued to bother him afterward.
The Royals shut down his throwing activities. Hernandez will receive an injection for his right shoulder on Wednesday.
“It’s something that’s been nagging him since he got into camp,” Quatraro said. “He tried to throw through it and just didn’t feel comfortable at this time pushing forward.”
Hernandez filled multiple roles last season. He posted a 5.27 ERA in 67 games and settled into a high-leverage role. He recorded four saves and spent time in a set-up role, as well.
The Royals are hopeful Hernandez can return soon but will continue to evaluate relief options while he is sidelined.
“That was one of our main goals this winter, and that was to add depth to the pitching staff,” Quatraro said. “So we are really comfortable with a lot of the guys that are internal options, but some of the guys we signed as minor-league or major-league free agents. ... (W)e are going to need everybody and then some.”
Chamberlain, 24, is dealing with a more severe injury. He suffered a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) and likely faces Tommy John surgery.
Last Saturday, Chamberlain was taken out of the Royals’ spring training game against the Texas Rangers as a precaution. He called the Royals’ medical staff to the mound after feeling discomfort in his elbow.
Chamberlain underwent an MRI on Monday. The evaluation found a complete UCL tear in his elbow.
“He’ll be out,” Quatraro said. “He’s going to access his options and all that kind of stuff — talk with his parents, his agent and family.”
Chamberlain was a non-roster invitee this spring. He posted a 4.82 ERA in 46 games across two minor-league levels.
Meanwhile, the Royals will get Renfroe back in the lineup. The veteran outfielder is slated to play Wednesday against the Seattle Mariners.
Renfroe, 32, hit .233 with 20 home runs and 60 RBIs last season. He split time with the Los Angeles Angels and Cincinnati Reds. He signed a free-agent contract with the Royals this offseason.
“He’s doing fine,” Quatraro said. “He is out here for the second day in a row. He’s still scheduled to play tomorrow.”
