Reliever Matt Strahm returns to KC Royals from injured list

ARLINGTON, TEXAS

Injuries continue to mount for the Kansas City Royals. On Saturday, third baseman Maikel Garcia exited with a right hamstring strain.

He joins a host of sidelined players. The Royals are without left-handed starters Cole Ragans and Kris Bubic alongside Carlos Estévez, Jonathan India and Nick Mears.

But the club did receive good news Sunday.

KC reinstated left-hander Matt Strahm from the 15-day injured list after dealing with right knee inflammation. In a corresponding move, the Royals sent rookie reliever Eric Cerantola to Triple-A Omaha.

“Slowest 15 days of my life, it felt like,” Strahm said. “But good to be out there and playing baseball.”

Strahm will slot back into the bullpen. The relief unit has struggled with a 5.22 ERA this season. On Saturday, closer Lucas Erceg blew his fifth save as the Royals lost 7-6 against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field.

“I think that’s what made those 15 days so long for me,” Strahm said. “It was watching and knowing there was nothing I can do until Sunday in Texas. And yeah, basically tie yourself to a chair and watch is what it felt like.”

The Royals still have belief in Erceg to close games. It’s likely Strahm returns in his high-leverage role alongside fellow lefty Daniel Lynch IV and righty John Schreiber.

“That’s big for us,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Strahm’s return. “Obviously, he’s a veteran with the presence of pitching in any situation. Neutral getting righties and lefties out. That’s a big gain for us.”

Strahm will be called upon to help fill the void with Mears on the shelf. Quatraro added that Mears returned to KC after undergoing a medical evaluation Saturday.

“Same as we thought, just a slight impingement in the shoulders,” Quataro said. “Basically inflammation. He went back to Kansas City today. You know, we’ll see how he feels tomorrow. If everything goes well, he’ll start throwing tomorrow.”