Stephen Kolek

Kolek strained his left oblique in late February but has been throwing off a mound and is close to returning to game action. Once healthy, he could be assigned to Triple-A Omaha rather than rejoining the major-league club.

Fantasy Impact

The Royals placed him on the 15-day IL Wednesday.

Kolek (oblique) was shut down for more than a week after receiving a Grade 1 left oblique strain diagnosis. Playing catch from up to 60 feet began on Monday, marking his return to throwing activities.

Fantasy Impact

A controlled buildup will continue before he appears in Cactus League games. The progression positions Kolek to be available for Opening Day in the absence of setbacks.

Kolek (oblique) was acquired from San Diego at last summer's trade deadline and is vying for a rotation spot with Kansas City this spring. His side grabbed while he warmed up in the bullpen during Wednesday's Cactus League matchup with Seattle.

Fantasy Impact

He has been diagnosed with a left oblique strain. The initial timeline projects a minimum absence of five to seven days. Thursday scans could extend the timeline if they show the injury is more severe.

Royals right-hander Stephen Kolek was scratched from Wednesday's Cactus League appearance due to tightness in the left side of his back.

Fantasy Impact

Kolek has made one spring outing but will be evaluated on Thursday following Wednesday's setback. The 28-year-old posted a healthy 3.51 ERA in 19 starts between the Padres and Royals in 2025.

Stephen Kolek has been named the starter in the Royals Cactus League opener on Friday against the Rangers.

Fantasy Impact

Kolek posted a 1.91 ERA across 33 innings over five starts last season for Kansas City. He'll continue to add depth in the Royals starting rotation.