Josh Staumont, Anthony DeSclafani Full-Go In Spring Training
New Minnesota Twins pitchers Josh Staumont (shoulder) and Anthony DeSclafani (elbow) have both been throwing for months after ending last year on the injured list and are full-go entering spring training. Staumont had thoracic outlet syndrome surgery last July but should be good to go for Opening Day with his new club. The 30-year-old could struggle to be effective after the surgery, though, especially since he hasn't very good to begin with the last two years for the Kansas City Royals (6.09 ERA and 1.65 WHIP in 57 2/3 innings). DeSclafani made just 18 starts with the San Francisco Giants in 2023 due to a right flexor strain. The 33-year-old went 4-8 with a 4.88 ERA and 1.25 WHIP with 79 K's in 99 2/3 innings last year. DeSclafani will be competing for the fifth spot in Minnesota's starting rotation in camp.
The Minnesota Twins have signed right-handed reliever Josh Staumont to a one-year deal worth just under $1 million. The 30-year-old enjoyed a few prosperous seasons with the Royals from 2019-2021, posting a 2.45 ERA in 26 outings in the COVID-shortened 2020 season before tossing a 2.88 ERA across 64 appearances in the 2021 campaign. However, Staumont has struggled in each of the last two seasons, posting a 6.45 ERA across 42 appearances in the 2022 season and most recently worked to a 5.40 ERA in 21 outings in the 2023 season. While his ground-ball rate improved this past season, his 95.9 mph average on his four-seam fastball is a far cry from the 98.2 mark he posted in the 2020 season. A neck strain hampered his 2023 campaign but he could prove to be a valuable late-inning asset if he can bounce back from a couple of tough campaigns.
Kansas City Royals pitcher Josh Staumont is scheduled to throw his first bullpen session on Wednesday as he works his way back from a neck strain. The right-hander last pitched on June 5 when he surrendered a pair of earned runs in an inning's work before being placed on the 15-day injured list. The right-hander has pitched to a 5.40 ERA in 21 appearances spanning 20 innings on the season but his superior 3.77 FIP and 4.26 SIERA suggest he should see improved results moving forward. If the 29-year-old is able to rein in his 14.6% BB% he could return to his 2021 form when he posted a 2.88 ERA across 64 appearances.
Reliever Josh Staumont and the Kansas City Royals avoided salary arbitration after agreeing to a one-year, $1.25 million deal. The 29-year-old has two seasons left of arbitration before becoming a free agent in 2026. Staumont could not access his true, dependable form this past season after a promising 2021 season. In 2022, Staumont displayed a whopping 6.45 ERA across 37 2/3 frames. Although just a year prior, in 2021, the right-hander molded a 2.88 ERA across 64 appearances. However, the 29-year-old landed on the injured list twice this past year, which may have been the cause of his struggles. The Royals hope to tap into Staumont's success and shape him into his true form. Staumont is expected to be used in a high-leverage role for the Royals in 2023.
Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Josh Staumont picked up his second save of the season in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Twins. Staumont came in to pitch the ninth inning up by a run. He got Ryan Jeffers to pop out, walked Luiz Arraez, struck out Jorge Polanco, and got Carlos Correa to ground into a force out to end the game. Fantasy managers likely thought that teammate Scott Barlow would be the team's leading closer heading into the season, but Staumont has seen and converted both of the team's save opportunities with a 3.60 ERA, six strikeouts, and three walks over five innings pitched. This does not necessarily mean that Staumont will be the outright closer for the Royals going forward, but he is worth a look in deeper roto leagues, as he is currently just 12 percent rostered.
The Kansas City Royals placed right-handed pitcher Josh Staumont on the injured list on Thursday due to undisclosed reasons and recalled Scott Blewett from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move. It's very possible that this move is COVID-19-related, which means that Staumont could be back within 10 days. The reliever also went on the injured list back in April because of what was described as a reaction to the vaccine. Staumont has been a useful late-inning reliever for the Royals, successfully converting all five of his save chances while adding nine holds, 57 strikeouts, 21 walks, a 3.42 ERA, .205 opponent's batting average and a 1.18 WHIP in 50 innings. Although Scott Barlow blew his last save opportunity on Wednesday, he remains the favorite for saves in KC.
Josh Staumont Allows Two Runs In Non-Save Opportunity
Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Josh Staumont pitched the eighth inning in the team's 8-1 loss to the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday. He yielded a single to Max Stassi, followed by a two-run home run to Taylor Ward. Altogether, he pitched one inning and allowed two hits, no walks and two earned runs while striking out one. Staumont has now made two appearances since returning from the injured list due to a knee injury. His previous outing, on Sunday, was also in a non-save situation. The Royals have lost four straight and haven't provided a save opportunity since Staumont's return. Staumont leads the Royals with five saves on the year and should be seen as the most likely candidate for saves going forward. He should be rostered in just about all fantasy leagues.
Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Josh Staumont (knee) has been activated off the 10-day injured list on Sunday. The 27-year-old has been sidelined since late May due to a left knee sprain. This season, Staumont carries a 2.78 ERA and 1.19 WHIP over 22 2/3 innings this season with 25 strikeouts and five saves. He should slide right back into the closer role in Kansas City. Staumont should be rostered in most fantasy formats as he'll likely remain the long term closer option for the Royals.
Josh Staumont Lands On Injured List With Knee Strain
The Kansas City Royals have placed relief pitcher Josh Staumont (knee) on the 10-day injured list with a left knee strain. The move is retroactive to May 27. Staumont had been staking claim on the team's closer role lately, earning five of the team's last six saves. Kyle Zimmer, who received the team's most recent save on Tuesday, appears to be the most likely candidate for saves in the short-term. He's a great speculative add in all leagues where saves are highly-coveted. However, it wouldn't be shocking to see Scott Barlow or even Greg Holland enter the mix in the coming week.
Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Josh Staumont closed out the team's 6-4 win over the Milwaukee Brewers on Wednesday. He had a bit of a shaky ninth inning, allowing a hit, a walk and an unearned run, but he got the job done in the end. This was Staumont's fifth save of the year and his second save in as many days. He appears to be the clear closer in Kansas City for now with Greg Holland and Scott Barlow in setup roles. The Royals have been abysmal in May, but if they can turn things around, Staumont will have a chance to deliver more saves for fantasy managers. He should be rostered in all fantasy leagues.
