Royals shuffle roster after struggling pitcher lands on 15-day injured list

The Kansas City Royals have placed left-handed pitcher Bailey Falter on the 15-day injured list with a left bicep contusion.

Falter, 28, was hit by a line drive in Friday’s series opener against the Detroit Tigers. In the seventh inning, Falter faced Tigers infielder Zach McKinstry to begin his relief appearance at Comerica Park.

Advertisement

Falter was struck by a 91.5 mph comebacker to the mound. The play drew the Royals training staff and manager Matt Quatraro to the mound. After a quick evaluation, Falter remained in the game.

However, he wasn’t effective during the remainder of his outing. Falter allowed four runs and six hits in two relief innings. He faced 13 batters as the Tigers mounted a late rally to defeat the Royals.

In a corresponding move, the Royals recalled right-hander Jonathan Bowlan from Triple-A Omaha. He will return to a bullpen role and can toss multiple innings.

The Royals announced the move an hour ahead of first pitch.

Advertisement

Falter was acquired at the MLB trade deadline. The Royals completed a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for left-handed pitcher Evan Sisk and minor-league prospect Callan Moss on July 31.

This season, Falter has a 11.25 ERA with the Royals. He appeared in four games (two starts) before moving to the bullpen. Opponents are hitting .370 against Falter in 12 innings since the trade.

The Royals are currently without pitchers Cole Ragans, Kris Bubic, Alec Marsh, James McArthur, Hunter Harvey and Steven Cruz.

Ragans is on track to return in early September. He is currently dealing with a left rotator cuff strain that has sidelined him since June 11.

Advertisement

Meanwhile, Harvey (right adductor strain) and Cruz (right shoulder impingement) were both placed in the 15-day injured list earlier this month.

Bubic was lost for the season with his own left rotator cuff strain while both Marsh and McArthur haven’t pitched in 2025.