Kyle Wright Exits Rehab with Shoulder Fatigue, Continues Catch Practice

The Kansas City Royals are exercising caution with pitcher Kyle Wright, pulling him from his Double-A rehab assignment due to shoulder fatigue. While the setback delays his debut in Kansas City, the team remains optimistic about Wright’s long-term potential.

With shoulder surgery behind him and a 2022 season showing his true talent, the Royals are playing the long game. They are ensuring Wright’s recovery is thorough as they prepare for his eventual return to the mound.

Kyle Wright’s Rehab Progress: A Minor Setback

Kyle Wright, who joined the Kansas City Royals after offseason surgery, is temporarily halting his rehab due to deltoid fatigue and a drop in velocity during his latest outing. Wright is still playing catch, indicating he hasn’t been entirely shut down.

According to the Royals, this pause in his rehab is precautionary. It will likely result in him skipping just one or two starts before resuming his path to recovery.

The Royals’ Long-Term View

The Royals knew what they were getting when they acquired Wright from the Atlanta Braves. Wright underwent shoulder surgery in October 2023 after shoulder complications derailed much of his 2023 season.

Despite this, Kansas City viewed Wright as a worthwhile long-term investment. Given the expectation that he would miss significant time in 2024, the Royals see this rehab delay as part of the process rather than a major concern for his overall recovery.

A Promising Career Before the Injuries

Kyle Wright’s potential is one of the reasons the Royals remain patient. The 28-year-old right-hander turned heads during his breakout 2022 season with the Atlanta Braves, posting a stellar 3.19 ERA across 180 1/3 innings.

His 21 wins led the majors, a feat that earned him recognition as a top-10 finisher for the National League Cy Young Award that year. These results showcased what Wright is capable of when healthy, making him a valuable asset for Kansas City moving forward.

Injuries Have Slowed His Timeline

Unfortunately, Wright’s injuries have prevented that potential from becoming a consistent reality. Shoulder issues followed by hamstring trouble during spring training further delayed his progress in 2024.

The Royals remain well-positioned to allow Wright the time he needs, thanks to a solid rotation that doesn’t require immediate reinforcements.

What’s Next for Kyle Wright and the Royals?

Patience will likely continue to guide the Royals’ approach with Wright’s recovery. Once back to full health, Wright represents a versatile pitching option for a team with aspirations to contend.

There are a couple of roles Wright could fill upon his return:

• Starting Rotation: Wright could slide into the starting rotation, potentially taking the spot currently manned by Michael Lorenzen.
• Multi-Inning Reliever: Alternatively, the team could deploy him as a key bullpen arm capable of handling long outings — a valuable asset in modern pitching strategy.

Wright remains under team control through the 2026-27 offseason, giving Kansas City ample time to rediscover and benefit from his full potential. Wright’s ability to throw without being entirely shut down provides an indication that this shoulder fatigue is not a major injury relapse but rather a prudent step back to ensure his future success.

Why the Royals Can Afford to Wait

Kansas City’s current rotation offers the luxury of time for Wright’s rehabilitation. With a core of strong starting pitchers already contributing effectively, the Royals don’t need Wright to rush back into action.

This measured approach aligns with their plan to play the long game. They are investing in pitching talent that could pay dividends for years to come.

A Smart Gamble for the Royals

Bringing Wright into the fold demonstrates Kansas City’s willingness to take calculated risks on players with high ceilings. His 2022 performance suggests he has the potential to be a cornerstone of their pitching staff for seasons to come if his recovery goes as planned.

Wright’s journey back to full health may be gradual. The Royals are clearly banking on his talent to help elevate their team down the line.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Kyle Wright Pulled Off Rehab Stint With Shoulder Fatigue