Royals starter Kris Bubic making strides in return from Tommy John surgery
Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic is one step closer to taking the mound.
Bubic, 26, underwent Tommy John surgery to repair his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his left elbow last season. The injury halted a resurgent campaign for the talented southpaw.
“I’ll head down to camp in Arizona next weekend and then I’m about two and a half weeks away from my first bullpen,” Bubic said at Saturday’s Royals Rally. “So I’m looking forward to that.”
Bubic posted a 3.94 ERA in 16 innings prior to the injury. In three starts, Bubic allowed seven runs and struck out 16 batters. He pitched six scoreless innings against the San Francisco Giants last April. He pitched five innings against the Atlanta Braves at Kauffman Stadium.
However, Bubic admitted things didn’t feel right. His velocity was down against the Braves as he dealt with a left flexor strain in his forearm. The Royals placed Bubic on the 15-day injured list to further evaluate the injury.
The results weren’t favorable. Bubic had discomfort from the flexor strain but further testing revealed he needed elbow surgery.
Bubic would be sidelined for approximately 12 to 14 months.
“The early returns, I felt good about it,” Bubic said. “The coaches felt good about it and I know we were kind of excited to see how that would play out over a full season. But unfortunately my elbow got in the way. I want to pick up where I left off essentially.”
Bubic spent time around the Royals during his recovery. He was in the clubhouse during home games alongside his teammates. He watched from the dugout and garnered support from others who also had Tommy John surgery. This included teammate Jake Brentz, Royals manager Matt Quatraro, and third base coach Vance Wilson.
In the process, Bubic became eager to step back onto the field again.
“If I had to pick one kind of theme of injury, like it’s never fun,” Bubic said. “But you know, getting some time away, where you normally don’t, it’s a good reset button.”
Bubic is over nine months removed from Tommy John surgery. He is making strides through elbow rehabilitation. The recovery process includes rotator cuff and forearm strengthening to regain a full range of motion.
Additionally, Bubic has also worked on a few changes to his mechanics. He gradually increased his throwing exercises. There are days where he is tossing baseballs from certain distances at a capped number of throws.
“This is kind of the best time, in my eyes, to potentially try to change something,” Bubic said. “I’m not saying overall or anything, but try to, you know, change an arm action or change a set position or something like that.”
Bubic also wants to resume changes made to his pitching arsenal as well. Last season, Bubic entered spring training working on a slider. The pitch was implemented to generate a better breaking action against left-handed hitters. Bubic also utilized a full stretch delivery to help stay balanced and attack the strike zone.
Bubic plans to stick with a similar setup when he returns.
“I know some guys kind of have abbreviated wind up or full wind up still, but I went off stretch just to simplify you know any moving parts,” Bubic said. “I liked it. I felt smooth with it and athletic. ... I’m still doing that now.”
Bubic is not expected to be ready by the Royals’ season opener. However, he is hopeful to return around the middle of the 2024 season.
This offseason, the Royals added pitching depth in free agency. KC acquired veteran starters Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha to fortify the starting rotation. The team also added relievers Will Smith, Chris Stratton and Nick Anderson.
Bubic looks to play a role later this season. He is excited for the new additions and how they can help the Royals win more games.
Royals general manager J.J. Picollo believes the team has multiple starters who can change a game.
“I feel like we’re going into spring training with eight starters — (where with) anyone we start, we’re not blinking an eye; we’ve got a chance to win that night,” Picollo said. “So that’s nice. Obviously we’re not going to have eight starters. But when you go from whoever’s not in the rotation to potentially a spot for them in the bullpen, now our bullpen gets better.”
The Royals will head to spring training next week. Pitchers and catchers will report on Feb. 14 and the first full-squad workout will be Feb. 19.
Bubic is set to join the team in Surprise, Arizona. It will be the latest chapter in his return to the mound.
