Cole Ragans is close to returning to the Kansas City Royals’ rotation. The left-handed pitcher made his first rehab start on Saturday for Double-A Northwest Arkansas. In 3 2/3 innings, he allowed five runs (four earned) on seven hits, struck out six, and walked one.

Ragans threw 43 of 62 pitches for strikes during the outing. This is expected to be his only rehab start before rejoining the Royals late next week. He was placed on the injured list on May 17 due to a left groin strain, which caused him to leave early in a May 16 game and miss a start in April.

This season, Ragans has a 4.53 ERA in nine starts, with 72 strikeouts in 45 2/3 innings. His advanced stats suggest he has been pitching better than the ERA shows. His return, along with Seth Lugo’s, will strengthen a strong Royals pitching staff.