Yordano Ventura says he’s ready to return to mound

Despite occasional brief numbness in his ring and pinky fingers, Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura doesn’t expect any problems Thursday when he makes his first start since June 12.

“Maybe (the pain is) gone. I’m feeling great now,” Ventura said. “But I don’t know if it’ll start (again).”

Ventura was placed on the disabled list last month to deal with ulnar nerve irritation in his elbow, which caused him to lose feeling in three of his fingers on his pitching hand.

The numbness made it hard for Ventura to properly grip his pitches, particularly his fastball. The lack of sensation caused him to not locate his four-seamfastball. He is 3-6 with a 4.68 ERA this season and hasn’t won since May 18.

As far his limitations come Thursday, Ventura, is confident he can pitch as long as manager Ned Yost lets him go.

“If I’m feeling good, I’m throwing the whole game,” Ventura said. “Just throw it right and follow Salvy (Perez).”

This story was originally published July 8, 2015 at 1:00 AM with the headline "Yordano Ventura says he’s ready to return to mound."