Kansas City, MO - The Kansas City Royals have placed right-handed pitcher Yordano Ventura on the 15-day disabled list with ulnar neuritis.

The 24-year-old starter left his last start against St. Louis after just three innings when he experienced weakness in his right hand. He was expected to make another start Friday against Boston before it was announced he was headed to the DL with Yohan Pino scheduled to start in his place.

Ventura is in the midst of a tumultuous season after being a key part of the AL champion Royals' rotation as a rookie in 2014. He has pitched to a 4.68 ERA in 67 1/3 innings, with Kansas City winning just one of his last eight starts.

Ventura had to depart each of his first two starts of the season due to injuries. Thumb discomfort caused an early exit against the White Sox and a right calf cramp forced him out of his next start against the Angels.

He was then ejected from each of his next two starts against the A's and White Sox for intentionally throwing at batters, eventually serving a seven-game suspension for his actions.