Royals place Vargas on 15-day disabled list

ST. LOUIS — The Kansas City Royals placed a starting pitcher on the 15-day disabled list, but not the one many had been expecting.

The move with lefty Jason Vargas, who has a strained left forearm, is backdated to June 9. Manager Ned Yost is hopeful Yordano Ventura, who was removed because of right hand weakness Friday night, can make his next start.

Yost believes the injuries might be caused by the pitchers batting in interleague games, putting stress on the forearm.

Chris Young will move up a day and start in place of Vargas in the series finale Sunday against the St. Louis Cardinals. Joe Blanton, who worked 2 2-3 scoreless innings after Ventura was lifted Friday, is the likely starter Tuesday at Milwaukee.

Vargas (5-2), who underwent an MRI exam Friday that showed inflammation, lasted only a half-dozen pitches in a side session.

from Sportsnet.ca http://bit.ly/1QvOw3S