Kansas City Royals News

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Carlos Estévez • RP • Royals

Carlos Estevez Resumes Playing Catch on Wednesday

Kansas City Royals veteran right-handed reliever Carlos Estevez (shoulder) suffered a right rotator-cuff strain while rehabbing a foot injury on May 6, but he resumed playing catch on Wednesday, May 27, according to MLB.com. Estevez got bombed for four runs in just one-third of an inning against the Atlanta Braves in his season debut on March 28 and has been on the 15-day injured list ever since. In addition to a foot injury he suffered in that outing, Estevez was working through a noticeable dip in velocity, which was an issue in spring training as well. It's positive news that the 33-year-old is throwing again, but he has a ways to go before he'll be an option late in games for the Royals again, and he might not return until early July. Despite the disappointing season so far, his track record (124 career saves) and Lucas Erceg's struggles in the ninth inning in his absence make him a stash candidate for saves-needy fantasy managers in deeper leagues. Estevez is rostered in half of Yahoo leagues currently.

Yesterday

Kris Bubic • SP • Royals

Kris Bubic Still Dealing With General Arm Fatigue

Kansas City Royals left-hander Kris Bubic (elbow) has started his throwing progression, but he's still dealing with general arm fatigue, according to MLB.com. Bubic has continued to play catch, though, and he's expected to return to the Royals' starting rotation in June. He was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 18 (retroactive to May 15) with left-elbow soreness. Bubic won't be allowed to ramp up his throwing program until his arm fatigue goes away, so he could be looking at more of a late-June return. The 28-year-old southpaw went 3-2 with a 4.11 ERA (3.68 FIP) and 1.23 WHIP with 51 strikeouts and 26 walks in 50 1/3 innings pitched over his first nine starts this year before landing on the shelf. Bubic was a first-time All-Star in 2025, when he went 8-7 for the Royals with a career-low 2.55 ERA, 1.18 WHIP, and 116:39 K:BB in 20 starts. Even though we don't have a clear picture of when exactly Bubic might return, he's a worthy stash candidate in deeper mixed fantasy leagues for pitching depth for the rest of the year.

2 days ago

Kris Bubic • SP • Royals

Kris Bubic Worth Stashing Ahead of Impending Injury Return?

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic (elbow) is currently on the 15-day injured list as he battles elbow soreness. However, the 28-year-old began a full throwing program on Saturday and could be working his way towards a return to the big league mound in early June. Bubic was off to a solid start to his 2026 season before getting injured, recording a 3-2 record with a 4.11 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and 51 strikeouts across 50 1/3 innings (nine starts). He struggled to a 12.6% walk rate before hitting the injured list, but the poor command could have been a symptom of his elbow discomfort. If Bubic is pain-free upon his return, his results may be more in line with his performance in 2025, when he posted a 2.55 ERA across 116 1/3 innings (20 starts). His profile carries some risk of re-injury, but Bubic's upside could make him worth stashing off the waiver wire ahead of his impending injury return.

3 days ago

Carlos Estévez • RP • Royals

Carlos Estevez Could be Cleared to Throw Soon

Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro said on Tuesday that right-handed reliever Carlos Estevez (foot, shoulder) was scheduled to see the team doctor, and if all goes well, he could be cleared to resume throwing again, according to Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star. The 33-year-old veteran was pummeled for four runs in one-third of an inning in his 2026 season debut and then landed on the 15-day injured list with a left-foot contusion on April 1. While rehabbing, Estevez suffered a rotator-cuff strain in his right shoulder, pushing his return back even further for the Royals' bullpen. He has been trending in the right direction of late, but Estevez still has some boxes to check and will need to go on another minor-league rehab assignment before being reinstated from the IL. Lucas Erceg has been KC's primary closer with Estevez out, but he blew yet another save on Monday in a loss to the New York Yankees and could be demoted to a setup role once Estevez returns. For that reason alone, Estevez is worth stashing in deeper fantasy leagues for saves-needy managers. He's rostered in half of Yahoo leagues right now.

3 days ago

Carlos Estévez • RP • Royals

Carlos Estevez Still Worth Stashing While on Injured List

Kansas City Royals veteran right-handed reliever Carlos Estevez's (foot, shoulder) velocity was noticeably down in spring training, and then he allowed six earned runs on four hits in just one-third of an inning before being placed on the 15-day injured list with a foot injury. While rehabbing in the minors and working on his mechanics, Estevez suffered a rotator-cuff strain in his right shoulder, pushing his return back even further. Despite his rough 2026 season so far, though, he is rostered in exactly half of Yahoo leagues because of the potential for him to be reinstated as KC's primary closer when he returns to full health. It's unclear when Estevez might come off the IL, but current closer Lucas Erceg blew his fourth save of the season and was hit with his second loss in the 4-3 loss to the New York Yankees on Monday. Fantasy managers desperate for saves with room on their IL should consider stashing Estevez, who had a league-leading 42 saves in his first year with the Royals in 2025.

4 days ago

Cole Ragans • SP • Royals

Cole Ragans Being Shut Down 2-3 Days With More Elbow Issues

Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (elbow) didn't bounce back well from his minor-league rehab start on Saturday with Triple-A Omaha, manager Matt Quatraro told Anne Rogers of MLB.com. Ragans felt similar symptoms in his elbow as before, although he didn't feel anything while pitching on Saturday. He is being shut down for two to three days before being re-evaluated. It's unfortunate news after the 28-year-old southpaw gave up one run with three strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings in his rehab start over the weekend. Ragans is on the 15-day injured list with an impingement in his left elbow and appeared to be making strides towards potentially rejoining the Royals' starting rotation in the near future, but now that's all up in the air. The former first-rounder by the Texas Rangers in 2016 was a fantasy ace as a first-time All-Star in 2024, but he has dealt with injuries over the last two seasons. Before his elbow injury landed him on the IL, Ragans went 1-4 this year with a 4.84 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with 45 K's and 23 walks in eight starts across 35 1/3 innings. He should still be stashed everywhere for his strikeout upside.

5 days ago

Kris Bubic • SP • Royals

Kris Bubic has Started a Full Throwing Program

Kansas City Royals left-hander Kris Bubic (elbow) felt more soreness than normal after his May 14 start against the Chicago White Sox and was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 18 with left-elbow soreness, but the severity concern is low, according to MLB.com. Bubic resumed playing catch on May 22 and started a full throwing program on Saturday. The 28-year-old southpaw could still need to go on a minor-league rehab assignment, but barring a setback, he could be back in the Royals' starting rotation sooner than later, around early to mid-June. The former first-rounder in 2018 out of Stanford was a first-time All-Star in 2025 in his sixth year in the majors, going 8-7 with a 2.55 ERA (2.89 FIP) and 1.18 WHIP with a career-high 116 strikeouts and 39 walks in 116 1/3 frames across his 20 starts. Bubic made nine starts for KC this year before his elbow injury and gave up 23 earned runs (4.11 ERA) while striking out 51 and walking 26 in 50 1/3 innings pitched. He should at least be a matchup-based streaming option in deep-mixed leagues when he's back, and he's currently rostered in 56% of Yahoo leagues.

5 days ago

Cole Ragans • SP • Royals

Cole Ragans Delivers Strong Rehab Start, Moving Closer to Royals Rotation Return

Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (elbow) delivered a strong start in his first rehab outing for Triple-A Omaha on Saturday as he works back from an elbow injury. Ragans allowed one earned run on three hits and one walk while striking out three over a controlled outing that marked a positive step in his recovery process. The left-hander, a first-round pick in the 2016 MLB Draft, appears to be trending toward a return that could stabilize the Royals rotation. Ragans posted a breakout 2024 season with a 3.14 ERA over 32 starts and has shown the ability to miss bats at a high level when healthy. He has made only 21 starts across the past two seasons due to injuries, but remains expected to operate as a top-of-rotation arm once activated. Kansas City has not set a timeline for his next outing, but his rehab debut puts him firmly on track for a potential return soon.

5 days ago

Stephen Kolek • SP • Royals

Stephen Kolek Turns Heads With Complete-Game Shutout

Kansas City Royals right-hander Stephen Kolek could start to attract some interest on the waiver wire in fantasy baseball leagues after another impressive performance on Saturday in the team's 5-0 shutout over the visiting Seattle Mariners at Kauffman Stadium. Kolek won his third game of the year by throwing a complete-game shutout with four hits allowed, one walk, and two strikeouts to lower his season ERA to an impressive 2.77. It was the 29-year-old's second career shutout, and it was also his second straight scoreless outing after throwing 6 1/3 shutout innings with a walk and three strikeouts in his last appearance on May 17 against the St. Louis Cardinals on the road. Kolek has three quality starts in his four outings for the Royals, going 3-0 with a 2.77 ERA (4.21 FIP), 0.85 WHIP, and 14:5 K:BB in 26 innings pitched. He has been impressive in a small sample size for the Royals, but regression should eventually come, and fantasy managers in mixed leagues should know that the upside is limited, as Kolek has a 16.9% strikeout rate in his career.

6 days ago

Cole Ragans • SP • Royals

Cole Ragans Expected to Start a Rehab Assignment on Saturday

The Kansas City Royals expect left-hander Cole Ragans (elbow) to start a minor-league rehab assignment on Saturday with Triple-A Omaha. Ragans has finally been cleared to return to game action after throwing some bullpen sessions in the last week. Saturday will be his first performance since he was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 6 with a left-elbow impingement. The talented southpaw is expected to need a couple of rehab starts in the minors before the Royals put him back in their big-league starting rotation. The 28-year-old left-hander was excellent in 2024, going 11-9 for the Royals with a 3.14 ERA (2.99 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with a career-high 223 strikeouts and 67 walks in 186 1/3 innings over 32 starts, but he made only 13 starts last year due to injury, and the injury bug has reared its head for him again in 2026. Ragans was 1-4 in his first eight starts in 2026 before going on the IL with a 4.84 ERA (6.19 FIP) and 1.41 WHIP, but he also had 45 K's in 35 1/3 frames and should remain stashed in an IL spot in most fantasy leagues while he recovers to see if he can rediscover his 2024 form.

May 22

Lucas Erceg • RP • Royals

Lucas Erceg Still the Reliever to Roster for Saves in KC

Kansas City Royals right-handed reliever Lucas Erceg has by no means been excellent at the back end of the team's bullpen so far in 2026, but he remains the best option for saves with veteran right-hander Carlos Estevez (foot, shoulder) still sidelined. Erceg blew his third save of 2026 on May 15 against the St. Louis Cardinals, but he rebounded with his 11th save (tied for sixth in the majors) on May 17 against the Cardinals, throwing a scoreless inning with one walk. The 31-year-old former second-round pick by the Milwaukee Brewers in 2016 out of Menlo College has been more reliable in May as well, allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits while walking three and striking out seven for a win, four saves, and one blown save. His most recent save against St. Louis was his first save since May 5. Overall, Erceg has a 3-1 record, 3.26 ERA (3.37 FIP), 1.45 WHIP, 11 saves, 17 strikeouts, and 13 walks in 19 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. He should deserve more waiver-wire consideration -- he's rostered in 60% of Yahoo leagues -- and he could even continue to pick up save chances when Estevez comes off the injured list.

May 21

Cole Ragans • SP • Royals

Cole Ragans to Throw Another Bullpen Session This Week

Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (elbow) threw a 30-pitch bullpen session in Kansas City on Sunday that went as expected, according to MLB.com. If all goes well with Ragans when he plays catch on Monday and Tuesday, he will throw another bullpen on Tuesday. Ragans was placed on the 15-day injured list on May 8 with a left-elbow impingement, but he could return to KC's starting rotation by the end of May if he can avoid any setbacks. It's unclear as of now if the Royals will want to see Ragans go on a minor-league rehab assignment. Despite being limited to only 13 starts in 2025 due to injuries and dealing with the injury bug again early in 2026, Ragans is still rostered in over 90% of Yahoo leagues for his strikeout upside. He has a 1-4 record and 4.84 ERA (6.18 FIP) through his first eight starts of this season, but he also has 45 strikeouts and 23 walks in his 35 1/3 innings pitched. Ragans was money for fantasy managers in 2024, recording a career-high 223 strikeouts with a 3.14 ERA across 32 starts in his first full season with the Royals.

May 18

Carlos Estévez • RP • Royals

Does Carlos Estevez Still Have Stash Appeal Off the Waiver Wire?

Kansas City Royals right-hander Carlos Estevez (shoulder) has had a miserable start to his 2026 season. The 33-year-old gave up six earned runs in his first outing of the year in late March before hitting the injured list with a foot injury. Then, while working his way back, Estevez was diagnosed with a rotator cuff strain in early May and is currently in the midst of a three-week shutdown from throwing. At this point, a return in mid-to-late June appears to be the best-case scenario for Estevez. Still, Estevez is coming off a 42-save season in 2025 and could be worth monitoring on the waiver wire in deeper leagues. While Royals right-hander Lucas Erceg has pitched to a 3.26 ERA with 11 saves in Estevez's absence, Erceg has also blown three saves and owns a highly unimpressive 5% K-BB rate. Estevez is not a lock to immediately reclaim the ninth-inning role in Kansas City when he returns, but he may still have some appeal as a stash candidate off the waiver wire.

May 18

Kris Bubic • SP • Royals

Royals Place Kris Bubic on Injured List With Elbow Soreness

The Kansas City Royals announced on Monday that they placed left-hander Kris Bubic (elbow) on the 15-day injured list with left-elbow soreness and recalled right-hander Eli Morgan from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move. Bubic struggled in his last start on May 14 in a loss against the division-rival Chicago White Sox, allowing a season-high five earned runs on five hits (one homer) while walking three and striking out four in just four innings of work. It's unclear if he'll need more than a minimum stay on the IL. After his last rough outing, the 28-year-old southpaw is 3-2 on the season with a 4.11 ERA (3.71 FIP) and 1.23 WHIP with 51 strikeouts and 26 walks in 50 1/3 innings pitched across nine starts for KC. Bubic was a first-time All-Star in 2025 in his sixth season in the big leagues with the Royals, when he went 8-7 with a career-low 2.55 ERA (2.89 FIP), 1.18 WHIP, and 116:39 K:BB in 116 1/3 innings across his 20 starts. Right now, he's rostered in 71% of Yahoo leagues.

May 18

Cole Ragans • SP • Royals

Cole Ragans Making Headway in Rehab

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans (elbow) is making progress while rehabbing his injured elbow. Manager Matt Quatraro said that the 28-year-old has been playing catch with increased intensity, velocity, and volume. He also threw a few pitches off the mound, likely testing his arm to see if it could withstand the increased workload. While this should not be confused with a bullpen session, it is a good sign that he is likely ready to advance to that stage of his recovery soon. The hope is that he can progress to a formal bullpen session after playing catch once more. The left-hander has been out of action since May 8 with a left elbow impingement. His return will not be rushed, as he is arguably Kansas City's best pitcher both now and for the future.

May 16

Matt Strahm • RP • Royals

Matt Strahm to the Injured List With Knee Inflammation

The Kansas City Royals placed left-handed relief pitcher Matt Strahm (knee) on the Injured List with right knee inflammation on Saturday. The 34-year-old struggled in his last appearance on Friday, requiring the attention of the medical staff while he was on the mound. He was able to push through and record the necessary outs, but a day later, it was determined that he would need at least the next 15 days off to rest. It is unclear how serious the issue is at this time. Strahm has had his ups and downs this season, and heads to the Injured List with a 3.86 ERA and eight holds through 16.1 innings pitched.

May 16

Michael Wacha • SP • Royals

Michael Wacha a Sell-High Candidate?

Kansas City Royals veteran right-hander Michael Wacha hit a rough patch in a two-start stretch on April 22 and April 29 against the Baltimore Orioles and Athletics, respectively, allowing a combined 10 earned runs on 15 hits (two homers) while walking six and striking out 10 in 10 1/3 innings. Outside of those two bad outings, though, Wacha has produced a quality start in each of his other six starts this year, including just two earned runs given up with three walks and nine punchouts in 14 innings in his last two outings versus the Cleveland Guardians and Detroit Tigers. The 34-year-old 14-year MLB veteran is currently 4-2 with a 2.63 ERA (3.85 FIP) and 0.99 WHIP with 42 strikeouts and 17 walks in 51 1/3 innings in his third year with the Royals as he heads into his next start on Friday against his former squad, the St. Louis Cardinals. Although Wacha, who doesn't throw hard, hasn't had an ERA over 4.00 since 2021, he's a sell-high candidate in fantasy because of his lack of strikeout upside. Wacha currently sports a 20.9% strikeout rate, which ranks in the 43rd percentile, and his xwOBA ranks in the 63rd percentile through the first month and a half.

May 14

Cole Ragans • SP • Royals

Cole Ragans Playing Catch, Still Considered Day-to-Day

Kansas City Royals left-hander Cole Ragans (elbow), who is on the 15-day injured list with a right-elbow impingement, played catch on Sunday and again on Tuesday, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. Manager Matt Quatraro said that both of Ragans' throwing sessions went well, but Tuesday's was better, which is a good sign. He is still considered day-to-day based on how he feels, but the expectation is that Ragans will play catch again on Wednesday. The 28-year-old southpaw isn't expected to have a lengthy stay on the IL, and he should be stashed in all fantasy leagues while he recovers. Ragans, a former first-rounder by the Texas Rangers in 2016, wasn't pitching all that well before his injury -- he went 1-4 with a 4.84 ERA (6.20 FIP) and 1.41 WHIP -- but he also had 45 strikeouts in 35 1/3 innings over his eight starts. He carries intriguing strikeout upside, even though injuries have bothered him since his first All-Star campaign in 2024. Ragans is currently rostered in 93% of Yahoo leagues.

May 12

Kris Bubic • SP • Royals

Kris Bubic a Prime Sell-High Candidate Amidst Current Hot Streak?

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic is off to a strong start to the 2026 season, as he's posted a 3-1 record with a 3.50 ERA, 1.17 WHIP, and 47 strikeouts across 46 1/3 innings (eight starts). Bubic has pitched particularly well of late, allowing just five earned runs while striking out 18 in 17 2/3 innings over his last three outings. However, Bubic's profile contains some red flags. For one, his 12.3% walk rate is unsustainably poor and points to likely WHIP regression. Additionally, Bubic missed the final two months of the 2025 season with a rotator cuff strain in his left shoulder. While he's managed to stay on the mound so far in 2026, his average fastball velocity is down to 92.1 miles per hour, and he's reached 100 innings in a season just once since 2022. Fantasy managers may be wise to consider selling high on Bubic in the midst of his current hot streak.

May 11

Lucas Erceg • RP • Royals

Is Lucas Erceg a Worthy Saves Target Despite Concerning Underlying Metrics?

Kansas City Royals right-hander Lucas Erceg has established himself as his team's closer so far this season, recording a 3.31 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with 14 strikeouts and 10 saves across 16 1/3 innings (17 games). Erceg has gotten hot in recent weeks, as he's gone eight straight appearances without allowing an earned run. On the other hand, Erceg's underlying numbers offer some cause for alarm. The 31-year-old currently owns a 17.9% walk rate and is benefitting from a .268 opponent batting average on balls in play that sits well below his career mark of .307. Erceg does not generate whiffs like a typical closer either, as he's recorded 20.9% strikeout rate so far this season and struck out just 19.3% of the batters he faced in 2025. Erceg appears to be secure in the ninth-inning role in Kansas City for now, which makes him roster-worthy across all fantasy formats. Still, fantasy managers should proceed with caution, as Erceg's profile does not point to sustained dominance.

May 10

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