Ragans (shoulder) has been playing catch out to 105 feet and is extended to extend his throwing distance during the upcoming week, MLB.com reports.

With three starters now on the IL, could the Kansas City Royals shift their thinking for the MLB Trade Deadline?

KC hopes Ragans can return for the final stretch of the season. The club has aspirations to make the postseason for the second year in a row. Ragans, who was named a 2024 All-Star, holds a key role in the starting unit.

PITCHING PROBABLES: Braves: Spencer Strider (4-8, 3.72 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, 89 strikeouts); Royals: Richard Hill (0-1, 1.80 ERA, 1.60 WHIP, one strikeout) BETMGM SPORTSBOOK LINE: Braves -169, Royals +142; over/under is 9 1/2 runs

A Royals rotation that has been a strength all year, ranking near the top of the league in ERA for most of the first half, has now been decimated by injuries.

On Sunday, the Royals officially placed rookie outfielder Jac Caglianone on the 10-day injured list with a left-hamstring strain. Caglianone felt discomfort in Game 1 of Saturday’s doubleheader against the Cleveland Guardians.