After being struck by a line drive traveling at 106.2 mph, pitcher Ryan Yarbrough is taking steps toward his return to the Kansas City Royals. Yarbrough has started his rehab assignment in the Arizona Complex League as part of his recovery process. The left-handed pitcher will gradually build up his pitch count over the 30-day rehab assignment period, aiming to return to the four or five innings he was previously capable of before the injury.
Manager Matt Quatraro expressed his excitement about Yarbrough’s progress and commended his resilience throughout the recovery process. Yarbrough has been feeling physically well and has been performing well in his throwing sessions. The next crucial step for him is to get back into game action, and Quatraro is relieved and happy for Yarbrough and his family.
Yarbrough has struggled with a 6.15 ERA this season with the Royals and has been on the 60-day injured list since May 17. His rehab assignment will provide him with an opportunity to regain his form and make a successful return to the team.
Alec Marsh, the Kansas City Royals’ No. 14 prospect, recently received a promotion to Triple-A Omaha after spending the majority of his professional career at Double-A Northwest Arkansas. This change of scenery has provided Marsh with a fresh start and renewed excitement. In his first start for Omaha, Marsh performed well, allowing only one run in five innings while recording four walks and six strikeouts.
The current season has been crucial for Marsh’s development. The 2020 pandemic wiped out his first full professional season, and he struggled with injuries in 2021 and had a difficult time in 2022, posting a 7.32 ERA in Double-A. Determined to avoid a similar experience, Marsh focused on the mental aspect of his game during the offseason. He worked with mental coaches and incorporated activities like reading and journaling into his routine. These efforts have helped him maintain a better mindset both on and off the field.
Marsh approached this year with a different mindset, leading to improved performance at Northwest Arkansas. Although he encountered some challenges, he displayed consistent stuff, which caught the attention of the Royals. As a result, he earned a promotion to Triple-A, where he will face new challenges and continue his development.
Given that Marsh is on the 40-man roster and is now one level away from the Major Leagues, there is a possibility of him making his debut with the Kansas City Royals later this season, especially as the team evaluates their young talent.
In addition to Marsh, two other prospects, right-handed pitcher Will Klein and outfielder John Rave, also received promotions to Triple-A. Klein had an impressive debut, striking out five batters in two innings, while Rave has been performing well since his call-up, with a .455 batting average, four doubles, eight RBIs, and even an inside-the-park home run. Furthermore, right-handed pitcher Chandler Champlain has been dominant in High-A Quad Cities and may soon earn a promotion to Double-A.
Overall, the Royals’ prospects are making strides in their respective levels, and their performances are being closely monitored as they progress through the organization.
