Yordano Ventura returned to the mound for the Kansas City Royals on Thursday, after nearly a month off with an injury. Ventura pitched well and secured the win, throwing 88 pitches (54 for strikes) over five innings, striking out four while allowing four hits, three walks and three earned runs.
The right-hander was activated from the DL after almost a month off because of ulnar neuritis in his pitching hand. The 24-year-old will helped pitch the Royals into a sweep over the Tampa Rays for the team’s fifth straight victory.
“Maybe (the pain is) gone. I’m feeling great now,” Ventura told Kansascity.com. “But I don’t know if it’ll start (again).”
Ventura hasn’t had the best season this year. He has a 3-6 record with a 4.68 ERA. In his last two starts before suffering the injury, Ventura couldn’t get beyond the third inning. He allowed a combined six runs on 10 hits and three walks.
Last season, Ventura was solid on the mound. He went 14-10 with a 3.20 ERA while helping the Royals reach the World Series.
Ventura doesn’t want any limitations or restrictions in his return.
“If I’m feeling good, I’m throwing the whole game,” Ventura said. “Just throw it right and follow Salvy (Perez).”