:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54626751/usa_today_10042100.0.jpg)
With one out in the fifth inning, Ian Kennedy came up lame after his first pitch to the second batter in the frame, Avisaíl García.
Kennedy unleashed a strike, but upon coming down after release, he grimaced and gestured uncomfortably to what looked to be his knee. Nick Kenney and the Royals’ coaching staff trudged out to the mound, and without protest, Ian Kennedy exited the game.
[Update 2:55 CDT]
Word coming from the clubhouse per the television broadcast was that Kennedy suffered a right medial hamstring strain, so there should be a measure of relief that there wasn’t any ligament damage. The Royals will look to reevaluate Kennedy tomorrow, so there is not a timetable for his return as of yet.
Here’s Jeffrey Flanagan with confirmation:
Ian Kennedy was pulled with a right medial hamstring strain, the Royals said. Will be re-evaluated tomorrow
— Jeffrey Flanagan (@FlannyMLB) May 4, 2017
[Update 5:00 CDT]
Kennedy has a Grade 1 strain. Lorenzo Cain had a Grade 1 hamstring strain last year that kept him out for a month.
Ian Kennedy had an MRI on his hamstring. It revealed a Grade 1 strain. Royals and Kennedy want to see how it feels tomorrow.
— Rustin Dodd (@rustindodd) May 4, 2017
Kennedy was unsure if he'd be able to pitch in five days. If he goes on 10-day DL, his turn would come up twice before his return date.
— Rustin Dodd (@rustindodd) May 4, 2017