KC Royals pitchers Marsh, McArthur are dealing with injuries as spring training begins
The Kansas City Royals open spring training in Surprise, Arizona with most members of their pitching staff healthy and ready for the upcoming season.
There were a couple of exceptions Wednesday as the team’s pitchers and catchers held their first official workout at the club’s training complex: veteran right-handed pitchers James McArthur and Alec Marsh.
McArthur had offseason surgery on his right elbow. He had two screws placed in the elbow to stabilize a fracture. Marsh, meanwhile, dealt with some right-shoulder tightness this offseason but is steadily ramping up his activity.
“He had his ramp-up going in the offseason and had a little bit of a setback,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Marsh. “Nothing that was overly concerning, but just to be cautious.
“Like we talk about all the time, we would rather have him miss a few days on the front end than a whole bunch of time on the back. So, he did the right thing by talking about it and getting the trainers to look at it and address it.”
Both players have begun throwing programs and club officials will evaluate their progression during camp.
Marsh could be delayed in facing hitters early. He is considered day-to-day with his injury.
McArthur will continue to build up strength as his throwing program develops.
The Royals have open competition for certain roster spots this spring. Marsh is in contention (with several others) for the fifth spot in the starting rotation. He won the role last spring before posting a 4.53 ERA in 26 games.
The Royals have Marsh in the mix alongside left-handers Kris Bubic and Daniel Lynch IV. Veteran right-hander Kyle Wright, who missed all of 2024 with a right-shoulder injury after being traded to KC from the Atlanta Braves in November 2023, will also be worth keeping an eye on.
“I think that depth, and all those guys doing whatever it takes to help us win, is going to be helpful,” Quatraro said.
McArthur had a 4.92 ERA and 18 saves in 57 games last season. He is in contention for a bullpen role after working in high-leverage spots down the stretch.
The Royals signed Carlos Estévez in free agency and retained relievers Lucas Erceg, Sam Long, Angel Zerpa, Chris Stratton, Hunter Harvey and John Schreiber, among others.
This story was originally published February 12, 2025 at 7:14 PM with the headline "KC Royals pitchers Marsh, McArthur are dealing with injuries as spring training begins."
