Cole Ragans turned in a tremendous performance on Saturday.
The Kansas City Royals are playing the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday night. Kansas City is hoping to begin winning games on a consistent basis as soon as possible following a difficult start to the 2026 season. Cole Ragans got the start on Saturday, and he certainly did his part to help the Royals win.
The southpaw allowed only one earned run across six innings of work on the mound. Ragans added 11 strikeouts while giving up only five hits and no walks. It was a big performance for a pitcher who has struggled at times this season.
Ragans finished fourth in American League Cy Young voting during the 2024 campaign. He pitched to a 3.14 ERA with 223 strikeouts across 32 outings that year. However, Ragans was limited to 13 starts in 2025 due to injury. The left-hander struggled while on the mound as well, as he had a 4.67 ERA in 13 starts.
Ragans was looking to rebound this year. Many analysts believed he was on the verge of a big season. Some even felt that he could make another Cy Young run. Even with his impressive start on Saturday, Ragans has pitched to a 5.00 ERA overall in 2026.
Ragans has been inconsistent for the most part during the 2026 campaign. His first few starts were up and down, while he struggled en route to surrendering seven runs against the New York Yankees in his most recent outing. On Saturday, though, Ragans reminded everyone that he still can pitch at a Cy Young level when he is on top of his game.
The Royals would love to see more overall consistency from Ragans. Perhaps he can build off his Saturday performance.
Royals Looking to Find Success After Slow Start to Season
The Royals are currently leading the Angels. If they can hold on and earn the victory, Kansas City will improve to 10-17 overall in 2026.
The ball club had high expectations heading into the season. They have not played up to their full potential, but the team's ceiling remains high. Kansas City features a core of players with potential without question.
Cole Ragans' performance moving forward will play a significant role in helping the Royals find consistent success. Kansas City will obviously benefit if Ragans can go out every fifth day and give his team a chance to win.
For now, the Royals are focused on defeating the Angels.