It hasn't exactly been the ideal start to the season that the Kansas City Royals hoped for. They currently sit with the second-worst record in baseball at 9-18 and things just got worse. After staff ace Ian Kennedy left Thursday's game with a hamstring injury, the team placed him on the 10-day disabled list with a right hamstring strain.

Kennedy's timetable is still unknown, which makes the situation murky. Hamstrings, even for pitchers, are always difficult to gauge because we see them aggravated so often and then the player misses more time. So while we don't have to worry about Kennedy running much on the hamstring, his absence could last for more than just the minimum 10 days.

Before his early exit on Thursday, Kennedy pitched like an ace. In his first five starts, Kennedy allowed  just eight runs in 31 1/3 innings pitched, 28 strikeouts and only 17 hits allowed. His 3.84 FIP and 14 walks indicated some regression likely was on the way, but fantasy owners still had to be happy they had someone who could give them quality innings.

With Kennedy out of the picture for at least two turns through the rotation, Kansas City will have to find a replacement. The team hasn't announced one yet, but they could look to Travis Wood or Chris Young out of the bullpen. Neither are on the fantasy radar.

When further updates on Kennedy's timetable to return are announced, we'll update you on the story.