Wacha placed on IL with fracture in landing foot

KANSAS CITY -- The Royals placed right-hander Michael Wacha on the 15-day injured list prior to Sunday's 4-3 walk-off win with a left foot fracture after being hit on that foot in the first inning of his start against the Padres on Friday night.

The move is retroactive to Saturday.

Wacha ended up pitching 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs, but he was wearing a walking boot postgame and said his foot felt sore after he stopped pitching. Imaging taken Saturday showed a “small, non-displaced fracture,” according to manager Matt Quatraro.

The Royals aren’t revealing a timeline for Wacha’s return, as it’ll depend how long it takes for the soreness to subside and when he’s able to put his full weight on his landing leg during his delivery. It will at least be two weeks, given the nature of the 15-day IL, but could be up to four-to-six weeks.

“It’s his landing foot, weight-bearing and all that kind of stuff,” Quatraro said. “He feels pretty good, all things considered, so we’re hopeful it’s not long term. … Really it comes down to symptoms and when the soreness subsides. Nothing terrible, but obviously not great because it’s something he’s going on the IL for.”

In a corresponding move, the Royals recalled lefty Daniel Lynch IV from Triple-A Omaha. Lynch actually never made it back to Omaha since he was optioned postgame last Thursday, instead working out and throwing in Kansas City rather than flying back to Indianapolis where the Storm Chasers are playing this week.

Lynch will take over Wacha’s spot in the rotation, but when that comes is still to be determined. The Royals will head to Cleveland on Tuesday for the first series against the American League Central-leading Guardians this season. Seth Lugo and Brady Singer -- who is feeling better after an illness prevented him from starting last Thursday in Minnesota -- are the scheduled starters for the first two games.

The Royals haven’t decided yet on Thursday’s starter; it could be Alec Marsh on regular rest because of Monday’s off-day, or they could give him the extra day of rest and throw Lynch on Thursday.

Lynch has made three appearances (two starts) in the Majors this season, allowing three runs (two earned) on seven hits, eight strikeouts and two walks in 12 innings. In nine starts with Triple-A Omaha, Lynch has a 4.76 ERA. Filling in for Singer last Thursday, Lynch allowed two earned runs in five innings against the Twins.

The Royals were aggressive this offseason by adding Lugo and Wacha to their rotation not only to increase the talent on the field, but also their depth. Losing Wacha, a veteran leader with a 4.24 ERA in 12 starts so far this year, is a blow to the roster, but Lynch has Major League experience and has shown he can be reliable.

“There’s a lot that goes into all the moves and what’s going to happen and how long I’m going to stay, and I’ve just tried to do my best to let all that go and focus on being as good as I can possibly be,” Lynch said, “The situation going into Spring Training, too, forced me to do that and was a really good lesson to me, just do my best to let go of everything else that isn’t directed toward pitching well.

“I’m hoping I’ll get a few more opportunities this time and maybe be able to stick, but that’s so out of my control. I’ve gotten a lot better at letting go and focusing on things that I can control.”

Kansas City will need the 27-year-old to step up over the next few weeks, especially during its tough schedule. Last Monday began a 20-game stretch in which the Royals are playing six consecutive series against teams who currently hold a postseason spot.

“We knew we were not getting through the season with five starters,” Quatraro said. “So he did everything he could to put himself in a position to be here when the opportunity arose. And here it is.”