Kolek's Rehab Setback
Kansas City Royals' Stephen Kolek Strains Flexor During Rehab, Returns to Injured List
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Kansas City Royals right-hander Stephen Kolek has been placed on the 15-day injured list after straining his right flexor tendon during a rehab start with Triple-A Omaha, according to Yardbarker. The setback is a painful double blow for Kolek, who had already missed significant time following the premature birth of his daughter.
Kolek is scheduled to undergo imaging on Monday to assess the severity of the injury, per Modesto Bee. The timeline for his return is unknown.
Injury Struck During Omaha Rehab Start
The strain happened during a game against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, Yardbarker reported. Kolek allowed two runs on six hits in the outing. He also hit one batter but walked no one and struck out three. The performance looked serviceable on paper — then the flexor strain changed everything.
A flexor strain is an injury to the muscles or tendons on the inside of the forearm. It is a common and serious arm injury for pitchers. In some cases it can lead to surgery, though the full picture will not be known until imaging results are reviewed Monday, according to Idaho Statesman.
Kolek Returned After Daughter's Premature Birth
Kolek had been away from the Royals before the rehab start due to a personal matter. His daughter, Faye, was born seven weeks premature on June 25, Tri-City Herald reported. The early birth kept him off the field and away from the team for an extended stretch.
Major League Baseball gave the Royals special permission to put Kolek on a rehab assignment. That is not the normal rule for players on the restricted list, per Herald Sun. The league made an exception given the circumstances surrounding his absence.
Royals Roster Takes Another Pitching Hit
Placing Kolek on the 15-day IL adds to the Royals' pitching challenges. He now joins the injured list just as Kansas City had hoped to get him back and contributing at the major league level. The 15-day IL means he cannot return for at least two weeks, even if imaging shows good news Monday.
The Royals had gone out of their way to keep Kolek active and ready. Getting MLB to approve a rehab assignment for a restricted-list player was an unusual step, Modesto Bee noted. That effort now yields a fresh setback instead of a healthy return.
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