Story byGrant MonaSat, February 28, 2026 at 2:22 AM UTC·4 min readKansas City Royals right-hander Stephen Kolek received some tough news on Thursday when the team announced that his Wednesday scratch from Cactus League action was due to a left oblique strain. Kolek was getting ready to pitch two innings in the Royals' spring training game against the Seattle Mariners at Surprise Stadium when he felt tightness in his left side while warming up and was shut down before he could take the mound. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThe 28-year-old will be sidelined for at least five to seven days, though it could be longer depending on what an additional scan reveals about the severity. It is a frustrating setback for a pitcher who came into camp healthy and competing for a rotation spot on a Royals team looking to bounce back after going 82-80 last season. Quatraro Reacts to Kolek's InjuryRoyals manager Matt Quatraro expressed his surprise and concern after the diagnosis on Thursday."We're obviously hopeful it's not too serious," Quatraro said. He went on to explain just how unexpected this setback was, noting that Kolek had done everything right heading into spring training."[Kolek] is the guy that probably you would have put near the bottom of the list of guys who might get hurt," Quatraro said. "His arm's been healthy, and he's in great shape. He takes care of himself.