Whew! Ace Ventura's MRI comes back clean
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Royals' clubhouse breathed a sigh of relief after news spread that star rookie Yordano Ventura's MRI came back clean Tuesday afternoon.
Ventura was diagnosed with some discomfort on the outside of his right elbow, but the all-important ulnar collateral ligament — the one that would require Tommy John surgery if torn — looked fine.
Ventura will rest a few days, throw his side sessions for two days, and likely miss just one start.
"Oh, man, that was such good news," left-hander Danny Duffy said. "Having been through that myself, it is a relief for our team."
Designated hitter Billy Butler added, "Finally, some good news. We need him."
Ventura, who left Monday's game in the third inning when he felt some discomfort, was relieved after results of the MRI came in.
"I feel good," he said through interpreter Bruce Chen. "It could have been worse. I'll keep working to get better now.
"I was a little scared. It felt a little unnatural in my arm. I didn't know what it was. But thank God it wasn't serious."
Ventura added that after getting treatment Monday night, he felt fine.
"Right now I don't feel any pain," he said. "I'm very grateful to God and to the trainers."
Manager Ned Yost said he wasn't sure who would take Ventura's spot in the rotation Saturday.
"We have some options," he said.
Watch the Royals Live pregame and postgame shows before and after every Kansas City Royals game on FOX Sports Kansas City.
Royals general manager Dayton Moore admitted he wasn't overly nervous about the MRI results after consulting with team doctors and trainers Monday night.
"When (Ventura) left the clubhouse last night, I felt very good that we'd get a positive result," Moore said. "His body language and what he was saying, it seemed (the injury) would be short term.
"We're going to be proactive and make sure he doesn't make that next start. We're very cautious with our pitchers."
Moore said there also exists the possibility that the Royals will hold back Ventura beyond one start, to be extra safe.
"I don't think you can be too cautious," Moore said. "But (our trainers) thought, truthfully, he could make his next start. He's not feeling anything and the MRI backs that up. But we'll see. I'll keep asking the questions about his condition."
You can follow Jeffrey Flanagan on Twitter at @jflanagankc or email him at jeffreyflanagan6@gmail.com.