Jason Vargas exits in second inning in first start in return from DL

Kansas City Royals pitcher Jason Vargas left his first start upon returning from the disabled list in the second inning with an injury on Tuesday night.

Kansas City Royals lefthanded pitcher Jason Vargas left Tuesday's start against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the second inning with left medial elbow pain in his return from the disabled list.

The Royals activated Vargas off the DL earlier Tuesday, optioning Yordano Ventura to Triple A. The team announced that he will undergo an MRI on Wednesday. 

Vargas was making his first start since June 8. He sustained a flexor strain in his elbow last month, the second time this season Vargas went on the DL with that injury. The flexor muscle protects the UCL and the injury can be a precursor to Tommy John surgery. 

• JAFFE: Tigers should sell Price, Cespedes

The 32-year-old Vargas entered Tuesday 5–2 in 2015 with a 4.10 ERA and 1.344 WHIP in 41 2/3 innings. He gave up one hit and one walk in 1 1/3 innings on Tuesday before exiting. 

Kansas City is in first place in the AL Central with a 55–36 record.

- Molly Geary