Royals name Cole Ragans as team’s Opening Day starter
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - One of the few bright spots during the Royals’ dismal 2023 season was the acquisition of Cole Ragans. And the team clearly thinks he will build off an impressive season by naming him the starter for Opening Day 2024.
The Royals traded for Ragans and minor league prospect Roni Cabrera when they sent closer Aroldis Chapman to the Texas Rangers.
Kansas City moved Ragans from the bullpen into the starting rotation, and the impact was immediate. He started 12 games for the Royals, tossed 71 innings (an average of nearly six per start) and posted a strikeout-to-walk ratio of better than 3/1. He allowed just 21 earned runs last season with the Royals, good enough for a 2.64 ERA.
He earned American League Pitcher of the Month honors for the month of August after he finished the month with a 3-1 record over six starts, punching out 53 batters and posting a 1.72 ERA.
Ragans looks to lead a revamped rotation that features new, veteran faces Seth Lugo.
The Royals take on the Minnesota Twins on Opening Day, March 28. First pitch is set for 3:10 p.m.
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