Royals place Ian Kennedy on 10-day DL with strained hamstring

The Royals have placed starter Ian Kennedy on the 10-day disabled list with a strained right hamstring, according to a team announcement. Kennedy exited his start on Thursday night with the injury.

Kennedy, 32, has started his year strong for Kansas City, posting a 3.03 ERA and 7.8 K/9 in 35.2 innings over six starts so far. He will miss at least his next two outings with the strain, though the injury does not appear likely to hold him out for a significant amount of time.

The Royals have rotation depth behind Danny Duffy, Nathan Karns, Jason Hammel and Jason Vargas, with relievers Chris Young, Matt Strahm, Travis Wood and Mike Minor all capable of making a couple of starts in Kennedy’s absence. It’s currently unclear who will get the nod, though righty Miguel Almonte was promoted from Triple-A to take Kennedy’s roster spot.

If Kennedy’s injury woes linger, they may affect more than just the rest of the season for the veteran righty. Kennedy has an opt-out clause after the season that would allow him to forego the remaining three years and $43 million on his deal for a more lucrative contract in free agency, though any serious health issues would likely cause him to remain with K.C. through 2020.