KANSAS CITY -- The Royals are one step closer to getting their ace back.

Cole Ragans is expected to begin a rehab assignment on Sunday with Triple-A Omaha, manager Matt Quatraro said on Friday, the next major step in Ragans’ recovery from a left rotator cuff strain that has had him sidelined since June.

The 27-year-old lefty is scheduled to throw two innings, which likely translates to 30-45 pitches, against the Iowa Cubs in Des Moines, Iowa, after he threw a two-up live BP session at Kauffman Stadium on Wednesday.

The Royals are still taking Ragans’ rehab process day by day and will need to see how he pitches and recovers from Sunday to determine the next steps. The schedule will be a factor in that process, as Omaha’s season ends on Sept. 21 -- two weeks from Sunday. If Ragans stay

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