Though he’s only been in Kansas City for about a year at this point, Royals left-handed pitcher Cole Ragans has quickly risen through the ranks in team history.
According to @JayHayKid of the “Baseball is Dead” podcast on social media:
Cole Ragans now has four starts with 11 or more strikeouts, tying him with Dennis Leonard for third-most starts in Royals franchise history, trailing only Kevin Appiah (11) and Brett Saberhagen (6).
Cole Ragans now has four starts with 11 or more strikeouts, tying him with Dennis Leonard for third-most starts in Royals franchise history, trailing only Kevin Appiah (11) and Brett Saberhagen (6).
— Nugget Chef (@jayhaykid) June 25, 2024
In Monday’s win over the Miami Marlins, Ragans allowed just one run over six innings, while allowing four hits, walking three and striking out 11. He’s 5-5 with a 3.03 ERA this season, but is seeking his first All-Star appearance later this summer.
It would be a twist of fate if he makes it to an American League team. The game will be played at Globe Life Field, home of the Texas Rangers. Texas traded Ragans to the Royals last season for relief pitcher Aroldis Chapman.
Since joining Kansas City and becoming a regular in the starting rotation, Ragans has gone 10-7. He has a career record of 12-13 with a 3.54 ERA. He has been an electrifying pitcher this year, striking out 120 batters in 98 innings. The Rangers drafted him in the first round of the 2016 draft out of Florida High School.
The Royals enter Tuesday’s game with a 43-37 record and are looking to reach the playoffs for the first time since the 2015 season. They’ll face the Marlins again at 8:10 p.m. ET.
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