Michael Wacha to the Injured List
Daniel Lynch IV will replace him in the rotation
The Royals placed starting pitcher Michael Wacha on the Injured List today with a left foot fracture and called up pitcher Daniel Lynch IV. Luis Arraez hit a line drove off Wacha’s ankle in the first inning of Friday’s start, but he stayed in the game and pitched 5 1⁄3 innings in the Royals loss.
"We don't think it's worth pushing him out there."#Royals SP Michael Wacha is heading to the IL today with a non-displaced left foot fracture.#WelcomeToTheCity
— MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM (@MLBNetworkRadio) June 2, 2024
https://t.co/76FWOFMj7f pic.twitter.com/l1AfgtEdpN
Wacha had a rough start on May 4 against Texas, but has been nails since then, with a 2.67 ERA in his last five starts. On the season, the 32-year-old has a 4.24 ERA in 12 starts, and is second on the team in innings pitched.
Lefty Daniel Lynch IV will take his place in the rotation, having already made a spot start earlier this week when Brady Singer was ill, giving up three runs - two earned - in five innings against the Twins. He has given up just two runs in 12 innings for the Royals this year, but had a 4.76 ERA with a low strikeout rate of 6.8 per-nine-innings in nine starts for Triple-A Omaha.
The Royals will start Cole Ragans Sunday afternoon, then have an off day on Monday. They have not yet announced pitchers for the Cleveland series, but it would be Seth Lugo’s turn on Tuesday, and Lynch would be on schedule for Wednesday. Brady Singer is reportedly well enough to pitch, and could re-enter the rotation at any time.