The Kansas City Royals placed ace right-hander Seth Lugo on the 15-day injured list Thursday due to a lower back strain.

The move is retroactive to Monday.

Lugo, 35, was initially listed to start Thursday's game against the Los Angeles Angels before being pushed back two days. Then he was evaluated further Thursday and was placed on the IL.

The 2024 All-Star has struggled of late. He had a 3.06 ERA after his start on Aug. 3 and has been racked in four of his ensuing five starts, going 0-2 with a 10.23 ERA.

Lugo's ERA now sits at 4.15 to go with an 8-7 record.

Meanwhile, the Royals are hoping to get another 2024 All-Star back soon in left-hander Cole Ragans (2-3, 5.18). He has been on the IL for nearly three months with a strained left rotator cuff.

Ragans, 27, pitched batting practic

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