Kris Bubic Out for Season: Royals Star Faces Shoulder Injury

The Kansas City Royals just took a tough hit in their 2025 playoff chase. All-Star lefty Kris Bubic will miss the rest of the season with a left rotator cuff strain.

The news came out Monday. It’s one more problem for a Royals squad already juggling injuries in their starting rotation.

Bubic’s absence? It’s a big one, especially now that the American League playoff race is heating up.

Kris Bubic’s Injury and Season Performance

People first noticed something was off with Bubic during Saturday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians. He had a rough time, walking four straight batters in the first inning and only lasting 2⅔ innings while giving up four earned runs on three hits.

Afterward, it turned out Bubic had been pitching through shoulder pain for much of the year. That’s a tough break for a guy who’s been so important to the team.

Even while hurting, Bubic put up a sharp 2.55 ERA, which ranked him fifth in the American League. He’s been reliable, steady, and a real anchor for the Royals’ rotation.

No one saw Saturday’s short outing as the end of his season. It’s one of those moments that just leaves you shaking your head.

Filling the Void: What’s Next for the Royals’ Rotation?

With Bubic out, the Royals have to scramble to patch together their starting rotation. Lefty Cole Ragans is also out with the same rotator cuff problem and won’t be back before late August, if then.

Michael Lorenzen, a right-hander, is on the injured list too with a strained oblique. It’s not ideal, to say the least.

The Royals have started leaning on some veteran arms. Most notably, 45-year-old Rich Hill just made his team debut and turned in a solid outing.

Hill brings a ton of experience, and maybe that’s what they need right now. The big question is whether he can keep it up as the season drags on.

Sustained Commitment: The Royals’ Plan to Contend

Even with all these injuries, Kansas City is doubling down on its playoff push. Right before Bubic went down, they signed right-hander Seth Lugo to a two-year, $46 million contract extension.

That’s a pretty clear sign the front office believes in this roster, both now and for the next couple years.

The Royals might dip into their minor league system for help or even pull off some midseason trades. The trade deadline’s coming up fast, and they’re still right in the thick of the playoff hunt.

Can the Royals Overcome the Odds?

Bubic’s injury stings, no way around it. He’s been the one steady piece in a rotation that’s gotten battered by injuries.

Now, the Royals have to hope a mix of veterans and fresh faces can keep their season alive. It’s not going to be easy.

Still, you have to give them credit for refusing to fold. Extending Lugo, calling up Rich Hill—Kansas City’s making it clear they’re not giving up on October just yet.

Looking Ahead

The road ahead for the Kansas City Royals looks uncertain. Still, Kris Bubic’s absence is about to really test the team’s depth and resilience.

His 2025 season ends on a rough note. Yet, his earlier contributions helped set the stage for the Royals’ push toward October baseball.

The team’s juggling injuries and new faces right now. Royals fans are watching, probably with their fingers crossed, to see if their team can rally.

Seth Lugo has stepped up lately. Rich Hill has shown some promising flashes too.

The Royals have a shot to rise above all this adversity in the American League playoff race. Who knows if their efforts will actually pay off?

 
Here is the source article for this story: Royals All-Star Bubic to miss rest of season