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Yordano Ventura could return to Royals pitching rotation this week

Scratch that rehab start for Yordano Ventura.

Ventura, slated for an appearance with Class AAA Omaha on Monday, instead will throw a side session here on Monday.

It’s possible Ventura, the Royals Opening Day starter, could return to the rotation later this week, perhaps Thursday when Joe Blanton is scheduled to make his next start.

“We’re still contemplating,” Blanton’s next start, Royals manager Ned Yost said.

Ventura is ready to throw 100 pitches, Yost said. “It’s not like we’re bringing him back short if we decide to go that route,” he said.

Ventura has been dealing with ulnar nerve irritation in his throwing elbow, which caused him to lose feeling in three of his fingers.