KANSAS CITY -- As expected, the Royals on Monday placed right-hander Ian Kennedy, a pending free agent, on the Injured List because of a left calf strain.

The Royals recalled right-hander Chance Adams from their alternate site to replace Kennedy.

The move was anticipated after Kennedy suffered the injury in the ninth inning of Saturday’s 9-6 win over the White Sox. Kennedy attempted to field a ground ball and immediately began limping. He was then removed from the game.

Royals manager Mike Matheny indicated after Saturday’s game that moving Kennedy to the IL seemed likely.

The IL move could mean Kennedy has pitched in his final game for the Royals, though the team has not discussed the severity of the calf strain. Kennedy, 35, signed a five-year, $70 million deal with the Royals prior to the 2016 season.

Kennedy was converted to the bullpen in 2019 and led the team with 30 saves. He essentially lost his closer’s job to Trevor Rosenthal, who was traded Saturday, before the 2020 season began.

Kennedy could have been a trade candidate but a disappointing 2020 season reduced interest -- he has a 9.00 ERA and has surrendered seven home runs in 14 innings, including a walk-off homer in Friday’s loss to the White Sox.