Kansas City Royals News

Hunter Renfroe  • RF  •  Royals

Hunter Renfroe Returns From Injured List

The Kansas City Royals reinstated outfielder Hunter Renfroe (hamstring) from the 10-day injured list on Thursday and optioned right-hander Steven Cruz to Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move. The team also designated right-hander Dan Altavilla (oblique) for assignment. Renfroe, who is hitting just .237/.312/.398 with a .710 OPS, 12 home runs and 47 RBI in 334 at-bats for the Royals this year, will be a platoon bat for the Royals against left-handed pitchers, at best, upon his return after the addition of right-handed-hitting outfielder Tommy Pham. With Vinnie Pasquantino (thumb) expected to miss the rest of the regular season, some of Renfroe's playing time could come at first base down the stretch. He has been out since late August with a strained right hamstring. He went 8-for-21 (.381) with a homer and three RBI in six games before landing on the IL, so KC will be hoping he can pick up where he left off.
2 days ago   
Hunter Harvey  • RP  •  Royals

Hunter Harvey Progressing In His Rehab

Kansas City Royals right-handed reliever Hunter Harvey (back) has been progressing with his throwing program after a few days of no activity and threw a bullpen session on Sunday. The Royals had to see how he felt on Monday to determine his next steps. Harvey has been on the 15-day injured list since Aug. 7 after he felt something pull in his back during his normal pre-game routine earlier that week. He also suffered a setback in his rehab program on Aug. 20 when he received a cortisone injection because his back wasn't loosening up as much as he or the team would have liked. The 29-year-old could require another bullpen session but appears close to going on a minor-league rehab assignment. Once he's ready to return to the major-league bullpen, Harvey is expected to serve in a late-inning, high-leverage setup role for KC.
4 days ago   
Will Smith  • RP  •  Royals

William Smith Has Been Playing Catch

The Kansas City Royals want left-handed reliever William Smith (back) fresh for the last month of the 2024 regular season, so a rest on the injured could help his cause. Smith has been playing catch to keep his arm in shape. He had been dealing with back issues for a few weeks before the team placed him on the 15-day IL on Aug. 26. Smith had been trying to pitch through it, but it was impacting his performance on the mound, and his back spasms got worse after the appeared on back-to-back days against the Philadelphia Phillies on Aug. 24 and 25, when he surrendered seven runs in just two innings. In his previous five appearances, the 35-year-old southpaw allowed 14 runs in just 4 2/3 innings, so he has clearly been bothered by his back issues. If Smith is healthy down the stretch as the Royals try to secure one of the final wild-card spots in the American League, he'll operate as a key lefty setup man.
4 days ago   
Michael Lorenzen  • SP  •  Royals

Michael Lorenzen Has Yet To Throw A Bullpen

Kansas City Chiefs right-hander Michael Lorenzen (hamstring) has been keeping his arm in shape by playing catch, but he still needs time for his left hamstring to fully heal before he throws a bullpen session and figures out the best time to return in the final month of the regular season. Lorenzen suffered a left-hamstring strain on Aug. 27 against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians, and an MRI exam on Aug. 28 confirmed a Grade 2 hamstring strain. He was placed on the 15-day injured list with a two- to three-week timeline for a return. The 32-year-old veteran was excellent in his first five starts with the Royals before his injury, posting a 1.85 ERA and 1.15 WHIP with 17 K's and 10 walks in 24 1/3 innings, but he's quickly running out of time to make an impact as a deep-league streamer with the regular season ending at the end of September.
4 days ago   
Hunter Renfroe  • RF  •  Royals

Hunter Renfroe Could Return By This Weekend

Kansas City Royals outfielder Hunter Renfroe (hamstring) hit on the field with the team before the game on Monday against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium and also ran the bases. The Royals need to decide whether to send Renfroe on a minor-league rehab assignment, but either way, he could be back by this weekend. Renfroe strained his right hamstring while running in the outfield on Aug. 24 and was placed on the 10-day injured list a day later. The Royals were hopeful it wasn't going to be a long stint on the IL. The 32-year-old veteran slugger doesn't offer much upside anywhere for fantasy managers in mixed leagues, but he could see regular playing time at first base when he returns now that Vinnie Pasquantino (thumb) is out for the rest of the regular season. Renfroe will return to a weak .237/.312/.398 slash line with 12 homers and 47 RBI in his 334 at-bats in 2024.
4 days ago   
Vinnie Pasquantino  • 1B  •  Royals

Vinnie Pasquantino Hoping To Return For Potential Playoff Run

Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (thumb), who is expected to be sidelined for the rest of the regular season due to a broken right thumb, said he's going to do everything in his power to push to get himself back or a potential postseason run in October. The Royals gave Pasquantino a six- to eight-week timeline for his return, meaning they'd have to make a deep playoff run to give him time to return. He was supposed to have surgery on his thumb over the weekend, but there was too much swelling. Pasquantino had a meeting scheduled with a surgeon on Monday and was hoping to have surgery on Tuesday. The 26-year-old lefty slugger figures to be aggressive with his rehab in hopes of returning in October, but fantasy managers can already count him out for the year. With Pasquantino sidelined, the Royals will rely on some combination of Yuli Gurriel (hamstring), Tommy Pham and Robbie Grossman to help pick up the slack offensively. UPDATE: Pasquantino had successful surgery on his thumb on Tuesday, according to acting manager Paul Hoover.
4 days ago   
Yuli Gurriel  • 1B  •  Royals

Yuli Gurriel Removed Early On Monday

Kansas City Royals first baseman Yuli Gurriel (leg) was removed early during Monday's game against the Cleveland Guardians. The 40-year-old suffered a leg injury while trying to run out a double during Monday's game. Well, Gurriel made it through one full game with the team before getting injured. The team hasn't given an update on his status, but it's likely that Gurriel heads to the injured list. If Gurriel misses time, Freddy Fermin will likely do most of the catching while Salvador Perez sticks at first base. Both players are viable fantasy options and should be rostered and started in most fantasy formats.
5 days ago   
Tommy Pham  • CF  •  Royals

Tommy Pham Claimed By The Royals

Free agent outfielder Tommy Pham has been claimed by the Kansas City Royals, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic. Pham was DFA'd by the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday, only a month after acquiring him at the trade deadline. Pham posted a mere .208/.286/.368 slash line with two home runs across his 23-game stint in St. Louis. However, earlier this summer with the White Sox, the veteran held a solid .266/.330/.380 line. Fantasy managers should expect the 36-year-old to see most of his starts in right field and will likely compete with switch-hitter Robbie Grossman for playing time. Managers in deeper leagues should consider adding Pham as he could earn a stable spot in the starting nine and should produce solid counting stats batting in the heart of a competing Royals lineup.
7 days ago   
Lucas Erceg  • RP  •  Royals

Lucas Erceg Considered Day-To-Day

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Lucas Erceg (hand) is likely going to miss a few days after taking a comebacker off his right hand during Thursday's game. The right-hander is considered as day-to-day as he's still dealing with soreness and swelling in his hand. At least Erceg didn't suffer a serious injury and isn't expected to miss a lengthy amount of time. In the meantime, James McArthur will likely step into the closer role for the next few days. He could have some streaming appeal to fantasy managers in category leagues.
Aug 30   
Vinnie Pasquantino  • 1B  •  Royals

Royals Officially Place Vinnie Pasquantino On Injured List

The Kansas City Royals officially placed first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (thumb) on the 10-day injured list on Friday with a right-thumb fracture and recalled infielder Nick Loftin from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move. Pasquantino suffered the serious injury during a collision at first base late in Thursday's loss to the Houston Texans, and with an expected recovery timetable of six to eight weeks, the 26-year-old is most likely to miss the rest of the 2024 season unless the Royals make the postseason and go on a deep playoff run. Catcher Salvador Perez should see plenty of time at first base now in KC, which will push Freddy Fermin to more starts behind the plate. The Royals can also use Loftin at the position down the stretch. Pasquantino had a successful 2024 campaign, hitting a career-high 19 home runs while driving in 97 runs in 496 at-bats.
Aug 30   
Vinnie Pasquantino  • 1B  •  Royals

Vinnie Pasquantino Diagnosed With Broken Thumb

Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (thumb) was diagnosed with a broken right thumb after getting injured in a collision at first base late in Thursday night's loss to the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park, and further tests are scheduled on Friday. Pasquantino could return in six to eight weeks. With that timetable, Pasquantino's 2024 season is likely over unless the Royals make it to the playoffs and make a deep postseason run. In the 26-year-old left-handed slugger's absence, the Royals will most likely move catcher Salvador Perez over to first more often, with Freddy Fermin doing the catching. Their other options include calling up Nick Pratto or Nick Loftin to handle some first-base action as KC battles for the American League Central down the stretch. It's a big blow for the Royals, as Pasquantino had contributed a career-high 19 homers and 97 RBI in his 496 at-bats this year.
Aug 30   
Vinnie Pasquantino  • 1B  •  Royals

Vinnie Pasquantino Injures His Hand On Thursday

Kansas City Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (hand) suffered a hand injury during a collision at first base late in Thursday's loss to the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park and is going for X-rays. "I can't say for sure because he is still over there getting X-rays. All I know is he said it was hurting him, so we took him out," manager Matt Quatraro said. Reliever Lucas Erceg (hand) was also injured on the same play and was removed. Pasquantino went 0-for-4 in the game and was replaced at first by catcher Salvador Perez. Fantasy managers will want to check back for updates on the 26-year-old on Friday and may want to brace for a potential injured-list stint. At this time of the year, a serious enough injury could cost Pasquantino the rest of the season. The Pasquatch has already contributed career-highs in homers (19), RBI (97) and runs scored (64) in 130 games in 2024 in his third year in the big leagues.
Aug 30   
Lucas Erceg  • RP  •  Royals

Lucas Erceg Leaves Early With Hand Injury

Kansas City Royals right-handed reliever Lucas Erceg (hand) was removed from his appearance early on Thursday against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park after taking a comebacker off his throwing hand. First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (undisclosed) was actually injured on the same play during a collision at first base and was also pulled from the game. Erceg tried to field a comebacker with his bare hand on the play. The 29-year-old will surely undergo testing on his hand to determine the severity of the injury. He ended up allowing three earned runs on two hits while walking one in just one-third of an inning to get hit with a blown save (his fifth) and his fifth loss of the year. Coming into Thursday, Erceg had taken over closing duties in KC after being acquired from the A's in a deadline trade and had five saves with a 0.68 ERA in his 12 appearances. If he misses time, James McArthur is likely to get another shot in the closer's role.
Aug 30   
Cole Ragans  • SP  •  Royals

Cole Ragans Slated To Start On Saturday

Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (calf, hamstring) is penciled in to make his next scheduled start this Saturday against the Houston Astros. Ragans was pulled slightly early from his last start on Monday against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians due to cramps in his left calf and hamstring. Manager Matt Quatraro downplayed the injury after the game, though, and the Royals were never really expecting the 26-year-old southpaw to miss his next turn through the rotation this weekend. While the matchup against the first-place Astros isn't the greatest by any means, Ragans has been a pretty reliable fantasy starter in 2024, going 10-8 with a 3.28 ERA, 1.16 WHIP and 187 K's in 156 1/3 frames over his 27 starts. His lone start against the 'Stros came back on April 9, when he gave up three earned runs on 10 hits while walking one and fanning five in five innings in a no-decision.
Aug 28   
Michael Lorenzen  • SP  •  Royals

Michael Lorenzen Placed On 15-Day Injured List

The Kansas City Royals placed right-hander Michael Lorenzen (hamstring) on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday with a left-hamstring strain and recalled right-hander Steven Cruz from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move. While covering first base in his start on Tuesday against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians, Lorenzen strained his hammy and now will not be able to return until mid-September. The 32-year-old veteran has been excellent in his five starts since being acquired from the Texas Rangers, going 2-0 with a 1.85 ERA (4.20 FIP), 1.15 WHIP and a 17:10 K:BB in 24 1/3 innings for KC. But with his injury, he's now only probably going to make several more starts in 2024. With Lorenzen on the shelf, Alec Marsh is the most likely candidate to jump into the Royals' starting rotation over the next several weeks.
Aug 28   
Maikel Garcia  • 3B  •  Royals

Maikel Garcia Taking A Seat In Series Finale

Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia is not in the starting lineup in Wednesday's series finale against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Paul DeJong will get the start at the hot corner and will bat sixth against Guardians right-hander Tanner Bibee. Garcia will head to the bench after starting each of the team's last five games while going 6-for-19 with a homer, double and two stolen bases. The 24-year-old's playing time against right-handers has dwindled some in the second half of the season, though, since the acquisition of DeJong. Garcia is hitting .239/.287/.347 on the year with seven home runs, 52 RBI and a career-high 32 stolen bases in 129 games in his second full year in the big leagues. He's obviously been useful in all fantasy leagues for his speed, but he also isn't guaranteed a starting spot anymore when the team faces a righty.
Aug 28   
Bobby Witt Jr.  • SS  •  Royals

Bobby Witt Jr. In The Lineup On Wednesday

Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (finger) is starting at shortstop and hitting in the two-hole on Wednesday versus the division-rival Cleveland Guardians and right-hander Tanner Bibee at Progressive Field for the series finale with sole possession of the American League Central lead on the line. Witt was hit on the right middle finger in Tuesday's win during a hit-by-pitch in the seventh inning, but strength tests checked out fine, according to manager Matt Quatraro. The All-Star shortstop stayed in the game and seemed OK, and post-game X-rays came back negative. The 24-year-old is in the running for AL MVP this year with how amazing he's been. The matchup isn't great on Wednesday, but Witt is a must-start in all single-year fantasy formats. He currently leads the league in batting average (.346), runs (113) and hits (183) while homering 27 times, driving in 94 and stealing 27 bases in 133 games.
Aug 28   
Michael Lorenzen  • SP  •  Royals

Michael Lorenzen Exits With Hamstring Strain

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen exited Tuesday's game against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians with a left hamstring strain. Lorenzen sprinted over to cover first base on a force out in the second inning, appearing to have his left leg hyper-extended as he tried to complete a double play. He grimaced as he fell to the ground and stayed in the contest following a few warmup pitches, but he finally departed after striking out Guardians outfielder Lane Thomas. Lorenzen tentatively lines up to take the mound next on Sunday against the Houston Astros, but fantasy managers should be making other arrangements and preparing for a potential stint on the injured list. It's rough timing for the 32-year-old veteran right-hander, who holds two wins, a 1.85 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and 17:10 K:BB over 24 1/3 innings since joining the Royals this year.
Aug 28   
Spencer Nivens  • LF  •  Royals

Spencer Nivens Named Midwest League Player Of The Week

Kansas City Royals outfield prospect Spencer Nivens was named High-A Midwest League Player Of The Week. In his past seven games, Nivens has tallied at least one hit in each of them with a stellar .538/.625/.1.192 line and four home runs. Nivens was carrying a four-game hitting streak prior to this big week so he now sits with an overall 11-game hitting streak. Prior to this surge in the second-half of the month, Nivens was a bit cold with a .222 AVG through the first two weeks in August. Overall, through his first look at High-A ball, the 22-year-old has held a modest .232/.327/.448 line with 16 home runs but his recent surge suggests he may be turning the corner. Nivens remains a name to keep any eye on in dynasty formats as he may see most of next summer in the upper levels of the minor leagues.
Aug 27   
Lucas Erceg  • RP  •  Royals

Lucas Erceg Converts Third Consecutive Save Monday

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Lucas Erceg continued his recent hot streak in Monday's Game 1 4-3 win over the Guardians, picking up his eighth save of the season. Erceg came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth inning up by one. He got the first out on a line-out, allowed a walk, and got the final two outs on a line-out and a pop-out. The 29-year-old has pitched well all season and has yet to allow a run since being traded to the Royals. Further, five of his last six appearances have been saves, suggesting that he is the Royals' bullpen arm to roster for fantasy managers down the stretch.
Aug 27   
LEGEND
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