Royals pitcher Jason Vargas to return after All-Star break

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Royals could soon have their banged-up starting rotation back to normal.

Right-hander Yordano Ventura will come off the disabled list Thursday to start the series finale against Tampa Bay, and left-hander Jason Vargas is expected to return from the DL after the All-Star break. Both have been out since early June.

Ventura has been dealing with ulnar neuritis, a condition involving the inflammation of the ulnar nerve in the arm that causes weakness in the hand. Vargas has had a left flexor strain.

The Royals optioned reliever Brandon Finnegan to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday and recalled right-hander Aaron Brooks, who served as their 26th man in Tuesday's doubleheader.

The Royals will need to make another roster move when Ventura is activated.