Vargas picked up his fifth win with six shutout innings Tuesday against the Twins. He struck out two, walked none, and allowed five hits. The start was Vargas's best of the season and the first time he's allowed fewer than two runs this year. He still has yet to go beyond six innings in any of his eight starts.

Vargas gave up two runs on eight hits and struck out three in six innings Wednesday against the Indians. Vargas (4-2) was solid in his second start back from the disabled list. The left-hander used a pair of double plays to wiggle out of jams and limited the streaking Indians to two runs in six innings. After allowing three hits to his first four batters in the third, Vargas got Ryan Raburn to ground into an inning-ending double play. Then in the fifth, Vargas pitched around a rare error by center fielder Lorenzo Cain by getting Mike Aviles to ground into a double play. Vargas will have his next start Monday at Minnesota.

Vargas (3-2) lasted four innings in his first start since being activated from the disabled list, allowing two earned runs, four hits and a walk, fanning six in the losing effort. Vargas was clearly on a pitch count after returning from a left flexor strain, as he was only allowed to throw 76 pitches (51 strikes). Even when healthy, the left-hander hasn't been particularly sharp this year, as he has just two quality starts in six chances, owning a 5.16 ERA and 1.45 WHIP on the season. If there's any positive takeaway from this, it's that Vargas struck out a season-high six batters, despite it being his second shortest outing of the year.

Vargas (elbow) was activated from the 15-day DL and will start Tuesday against the Yankees. The Royals optioned Brandon Finnegan to Triple-A Omaha after Monday's game, clearing room on the roster for Vargas. Vargas, who replaces Danny Duffy (shoulder) in the rotation, hit the DL with a flexor strain earlier this month, but he completed a simulated game last week and it was determined he did not need a minor league rehab assignment. The 32-year-old Vargas went 3-1 with a 5.26 ERA and 1.48 WHIP in his first five starts.

Vargas will be activated and start for the Royals on Tuesday against the Yankees, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports. Vargas threw a simulated game Friday, and it looks as if everything went well, as he'll rejoin the rotation for Tuesday's road matchup. The left-hander will take the rotation spot of fellow southpaw Danny Duffy, who was placed on the 15-day DL Monday with shoulder soreness. Vargas owns a 3-1 record in 2015 despite a 5.26 ERA and 1.48 WHIP, but his peripherals don't suggest a turnaround any time soon, as both his FIP (5.25) and xFIP (5.26) are eerily close to his earned run average.

Vargas (elbow) will throw a bullpen session Tuesday and a simulated game Friday before returning to the rotation, Andy McCullough of the Kansas City Star reports. Vargas was placed on the disabled list on May 8 with a left flexor strain, so it appears as though he'll have to miss more than the minimum 15 days but not much more than that. Barring any further setbacks, Vargas could be activated over the weekend though it's unclear when his next start will come.

Vargas (elbow) threw a successful bullpen session Sunday, Matthew DeFranks of FOX Sports Kansas City reports. Vargas, who was placed on the DL back on May 8, was able to mix in all his pitches and said he felt nothing more than the usual soreness after the vigorous session. It doesn't appear that Vargas is on track to return to the Royals' rotation this week, but manager Ned Yost doesn't believe the lefty will need a rehab assignment before his activation. Once he demonstrates he's fully healthy with a few more side sessions, Vargas would likely replace either Chris Young or the struggling Danny Duffy on the starting staff.

Vargas (elbow) said an examination revealed no damage to his UCL, and he is hopeful he will only miss a few starts, the Kansas City Star's Andy McCullough reports. He hopes to play catch next week, so this may not be as bad as it originally sounded. Chris Young will presumably take his rotation spot for now.

Vargas was placed on the 15-day DL Friday with a left flexor strain, the Kansas City Star's Andy McCullough reports. The move is retroactive to May 6, but a flexor strain is often a precursor to Tommy John surgery, so he should be considered out indefinitely. Chris Young will take his spot in the rotation, but assuming Vargas misses significant time, the Royals may look to add another starting pitcher, either from the farm or in a trade.

Vargas earned his third win of the season Tuesday versus the Indians, only allowing two earned runs, two hits and two walks in six innings. Vargas has given up four home runs in five starts this season, but he's allowed just five hits in his past two games. His strikeout rate is also fairly low, but he hasn't given up many runs this season.