James McArthur: Everything you need to know

The Royals transferred McArthur (elbow) from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day IL on Sunday. McArthur missed the entire 2025 season while completing his recovery from surgery to address an olecranon fracture in his right elbow, and though he was considered healthy heading into spring training, he experienced a minor setback before the end of camp. The right-hander resumed throwing bullpen sessions just over a week ago, but his move to the 60-day IL indicates that the Royals aren't expecting him to complete his rehab program until at least late May. The transaction will remove McArthur from the Royals' 40-man roster and free up a spot for catcher Elias Diaz, who was called up from Triple-A Omaha.

McArthur (elbow) is expected to resume a throwing program Monday, MLB.com reports. McArthur has yet to pitch in a game since he underwent surgery following the 2024 season to address an olecranon fracture in his right elbow. He required another procedure last July to remove screws from his elbow and was expected to be ready to go for the start of spring training, but he needed to be shut down again after experiencing inflammation in the elbow. The Royals have characterized McArthur's setback as minor, and though he'll start throwing again this week, he's expected to be eased along slowly in his rehab program. The reliever appears unlikely to be ready to return from the injured list until at least May.

The Royals placed McArthur (elbow) on the 15-day injured list Wednesday. McArthur had surgery last offseason to insert two screws into his right elbow to help stabilize a stress fracture and then had another procedure in July to remove the screws after they had caused an allergic reaction. The Royals are calling his injury elbow inflammation, and it's unclear when he might be ready for his season debut.