Stephen Kolek Injury: Playing catch

Published on March 9, 2026

Kolek (oblique) began playing catch from up to 60 feet Monday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Kolek was shut down for more than a week after being diagnosed with a Grade 1 left oblique strain. He will be slowly ramped back up before returning to Cactus League action. The right-hander should be healthy for Opening Day, barring setbacks, but the injury has significantly lessened his chances of obtaining a spot in the Royals' rotation.