Royals demote Yordano Ventura, activate Jason Vargas off DL

The sophomore slump for Yordano Ventura has now landed him in Triple A.

The Kansas City Royals have optioned struggling starter Yordano Ventura to Triple A Omaha to make room on the active roster for Jason Vargas, the team announced on Tuesday.

Vargas is coming off the 15-day disabled after sustaining a flexor strain in his left elbow last month. It was his second DL stint this year due to that injury.

In eight starts this season, Vargas has posted a 5–2 record with a 4.10 ERA. Vargas started Tuesday night's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but exited in the second inning with left medial elbow pain. He will undergo an MRI on Wednesday

Ventura has struggled throughout his second full major-league season to a 4–7 record and 5.19 ERA. He surrendered a season-high six runs against the Pirates on Monday night.

Ventura signed a $23 million contract before the season and was tabbed as Kansas City's Opening Day starter. The Royals are scheduled to give away a postseason commemorative bobblehead of Ventura to the first 15,000 fans in attendance for Saturday's game against the Houston Astros.

The Royals sit atop the American League Central with a 55–36 record. 

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- Christopher Chavez