Royals' Ventura exits with right thumb cramp; team says it's not serious

The Kansas City Royals began the season by celebrating their 2014 American League championship.

Hours later they were cautiously optimistic that their title defense hadn't just suffered a serious blow.

Royals right-hander Yordano Ventura, making the first Opening Day start of his career, left Monday's start in the seventh inning after dropping to the ground in significant pain with a right thumb cramp.

"I felt it lock up on me," Ventura said after the Royals' 10-1 win over the Chicago White Sox. "I thought at first it was something really bad. I'm happy that it isn't and I'm not concerned about missing any time with what happened. Just a cramp that surprised me, but I feel confident going forward."

Ventura immediately clutched his hand after delivering a 96-mph fastball to White Sox slugger Adam LaRoche, prompting the Royals medical staff to rush out to the mound to check on the 23-year-old right-hander. 

Ventura exited to a 4-1 lead, having allowed one run on four hits with two strikeouts over six innings. He threw 81 pitches, 56 for strikes.

He was replaced by right-hander Kelvin Herrera. 

Manager Ned Yost said Ventura would be re-evaluated Tuesday but sounded unconcerned speaking to reporters after the game.

"He gets them all the time," Yost said. 

The Royals raised their pennant-winning flag and received their championship rings prior to the game.