In midst of playoff chase, Royals pitcher Michael Wacha lands on concussion list
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Royals place Michael Wacha on concussion list after off-field accident.
- Kansas City lacks three starters but weighs bullpen options for Wednesday.
- Royals trail Mariners by three games in AL Wild Card race entering Tuesday.
The Kansas City Royals have placed veteran starter Michael Wacha on the seven-day concussion injured list.
“He had an off-field accident that resulted in a concussion,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said pregame. “Nothing overly serious, we don’t think. But it’s something that’s going to keep him from pitching a minimum of seven days.”
Wacha will head back to Kansas City to be further evaluated. He was scheduled to start Wednesday against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field.
The Royals said they would figure out their plan for Wednesday after Tuesday’s game — a 2-0 Royals loss — and eventually decided on right-handed reliever Jonathan Bowlan.
“Everything is in play as of now,” Quatraro said before Tuesday’s game.
Wacha is the latest Royals starter to be sidelined due to injury. The club is already without All-Star pitchers Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo. Both pitchers are progressing toward a return but are still on the injured list.
Ragans made a rehab start with Triple-A Omaha on Sunday. He pitched three innings and recorded seven strikeouts and is expected to pitch again Friday.
Now down three starters, the Royals will try to remain afloat in the American League Wild Card race. The Royals (73-71) entered Tuesday three games behind the Seattle Mariners (76-68) for the third and final wild-card spot.
Rookie starter Noah Cameron pitched Tuesday against the Guardians. The Royals also have fellow rookie Ryan Bergert, Stephen Kolek and Michael Lorenzen available to start at the moment.
As for Wednesday, it could turn into a bullpen game.
The club found success using its relievers against the Atlanta Braves on July 30 at Kauffman Stadium. The bullpen tossed 10 shutout innings in a 1-0 victory that tied an MLB record.
However, Wacha was the anchor for the starting rotation. The Royals turned to him to stymie offenses and snap a losing streak.
Wacha will now have to miss at least seven days with the injury, retroactive to Sept. 8. It’s also possible the injury could keep him out even longer.
“We really don’t know at this point,” Quatraro said. “Yeah, we have to wait and see when he gets checked out.”
In a corresponding move, the Royals reinstated second baseman Jonathan India from the 10-day injured list. India started at designated hitter Tuesday after missing time due to a left wrist sprain.
This story was originally published September 9, 2025 at 5:39 PM with the headline "In midst of playoff chase, Royals pitcher Michael Wacha lands on concussion list."
