Shock Deadline Stunner: Dodgers Acquire Royals Left-Hander Kris Bubic in Last-Minute Blockbuster

Kansas City, Mo. — Kansas City Royals left-hander Kris Bubic cleared a significant milestone in his comeback from a left rotator-cuff strain, completing a two-inning, scoreless rehab outing last week and re-starting a structured throwing program that topped out at 60 feet on Friday. Sidelined since 18 May, the 27-year-old southpaw is expected to make at least one more rehab start for Triple-A Omaha; club officials hope he can rejoin the big-league rotation shortly after the All-Star break if there are no setbacks. Why his return matters • Starting-pitching depth: The Royals have cycled through nine starters this year; Bubic’s career 9.2 K/9 and plus change-up could instantly lengthen a weary staff. • Trade-deadline leverage: A healthy Bubic reduces pressure on the front office to over-pay for rental arms, keeping prized prospects in the system. • Fantasy impact: Rest-of-season projections still grade Bubic as a deep-league streaming option, but the combination of spacious Kauffman Stadium and a refined sweeper give him sneaky upside for strikeouts and ratio help. What changed during rehab Team trainers adjusted Bubic’s mechanics to create a more “free and easy” arm path; early bullpen readings showed a tick-up to 93 mph and tighter horizontal break on the slider, two encouraging data points from his pre-injury profile. Next steps and timeline 1. Second rehab start (45–55 pitches) — early next week. 2. Live bullpen in Kansas City — target date five days later. 3. Activation window — mid-July, lining him up for a potential July 17 home start versus Cleveland. Bottom line With the Royals clinging to contention in the AL Central, “Kris Bubic injury update” has become one of the most searched phrases among Kansas City fans. If the left-hander’s shoulder responds as planned, his mid-summer return could be the internal rotation upgrade the club—and fantasy managers—have been waiting for.