Kansas City Royals News

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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.

Yesterday

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.

Yesterday

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.

3 days ago

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.

5 days ago

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.

6 days ago

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.

7 days ago

Carter Jensen • C • Royals

Carter Jensen Remains a Stash Option at Catcher

Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen came into the season swinging a hot bat, but he has cooled off since then. Jensen has smashed six home runs with 17 RBI and 15 walks through his first 37 games this season. He has hit a cold spell recently, but could still be someone worth stashing in fantasy formats. Over the last two weeks, Jensen is 4-for-39 at the plate with one RBI and six walks. He's still showing good vision at the plate, so eventually his numbers should bounce back. It's tough to find a catcher who is both good defensively and offensively. Jensen has 20-homer upside that makes him worth stashing despite his recent struggles.

May 10

Noah Cameron • SP • Royals

Noah Cameron Will Start on Sunday Against Tigers

Kansas City Royals left-hander Noah Cameron (back) will return to the team's starting rotation for Sunday's series finale against the division-rival Detroit Tigers, manager Matt Quatraro told Anne Rogers of MLB.com. Cameron has been cleared to pitch this weekend after throwing a successful bullpen session on Thursday. The Royals pulled the 26-year-old southpaw as a precaution from his last start on Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians due to back tightness, but it turned out to be nothing serious. It's good news for the Royals after they just put lefty starter Cole Ragans (elbow) on the 15-day injured list on Friday. Cameron will be a risky fantasy streamer in his start this weekend against a Tigers offense that has cooled off considerably of late. The former seventh-rounder in 2021 out of Central Arkansas has gone 2-2 through his six starts this year with a bloated 5.40 ERA (4.46 FIP) and 1.61 WHIP with 28 strikeouts and 11 walks in 31 2/3 innings pitched. After allowing two earned runs in 10 2/3 innings in his first two starts, Cameron has given up at least three earned runs in each of his last four appearances.

May 8

Cole Ragans • SP • Royals

Royals Place Cole Ragans on Injured List With Elbow Impingement

The Kansas City Royals announced on Friday that they placed left-hander Cole Ragans (elbow) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to May 7) with a left-elbow impingement and recalled right-handers Stephen Kolek and Steven Cruz from Triple-A Omaha in corresponding moves. The Royals said on Thursday that Ragans was pulled from his last outing early on Wednesday against the Cleveland Guardians due to a valgus extension overload in his left elbow. Even though Ragans said he was feeling better on Thursday, he will be forced to miss at least the next two weeks. Kolek figures to get the first crack at replacing Ragans in the team's starting rotation in the short term. Ragans, 28, was a first-time All-Star in 2024, when he went 11-9 with a 3.14 ERA, 1.14 WHIP, and 223:67 K:BB in 186 1/3 innings pitched across a career-high 32 starts for KC. He made only 13 starts in 2025 due to injury, though, and now he's hurt again after just eight starts in 2026. Ragans has gone 1-4 with a 4.84 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with 45 strikeouts and 23 walks in 35 1/3 frames, also allowing a league-high 10 home runs. He's rostered in 95% of Yahoo leagues and is worth holding to see if he can rediscover his 2024 form once he's healthy.

May 8

Carlos Estévez • RP • Royals

Carlos Estevez Shut Down for Three Weeks With Rotator-Cuff Strain

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Carlos Estevez (shoulder) will be shut down for the next three weeks, according to manager Matt Quatraro. Estevez was removed early during his rehab outing on Wednesday after displaying reduced velocity. The right-hander was diagnosed with a right rotator cuff strain on Thursday. Estevez won't throw for three weeks, and then will hopefully begin a rehab assignment after that. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Estevez to be back in the mix for at least a month or so. With that being said, Lucas Erceg should continue to hold down the full-time closer role in Kansas City.

May 7

Cole Ragans • SP • Royals

Cole Ragans is Dealing With Valgus Extension Overload

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans (elbow) is dealing with valgus extension overload, according to manager Matt Quatraro. The southpaw was forced to make an early exit from his start on Wednesday after three innings of work. The Royals are optimistic that Ragans won't require a stint on the Injured List. Ragans is going to rest for the next few days before the team decides how to proceed going forward. For now, Ragans is day-to-day, but fantasy managers shouldn't be shocked if he does end up on the shelf.

May 7

Salvador Perez • C • Royals

Salvador Perez Nursing Sore Hip, May Not Catch This Weekend

Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro is unsure if catcher Salvador Perez (hip) will catch this weekend in the series against the division-rival Detroit Tigers because he's still nursing a sore hip, according to Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star. "I don't think so. I think we want to take it cautiously. But we're talking to him every day. But for right now, that wouldn't be my plan," Quatraro said. Perez's hip soreness isn't serious enough to keep him out of the lineup, though, as he's serving as the designated hitter and is batting cleanup for Thursday's series finale against the division-rival Cleveland Guardians and right-hander Slade Cecconi. The 35-year-old veteran is hitting just over the Mendoza Line on the year, but of late, he's gone 13-for-44 (.295) with two home runs, two doubles, 11 RBI, and eight runs scored in his last 11 games since April 25. Durability is going to be an issue for the aging Venezuelan, and he could require more DH days throughout the year in his 15th year in the big leagues.

May 7

Noah Cameron • SP • Royals

Noah Cameron to Throw a Bullpen on Thursday, Could Start on Sunday

Kansas City Royals left-hander Noah Cameron (back) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Thursday, and how he responds/recovers from it will determine his readiness for a potential start on Sunday against the division-rival Detroit Tigers, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. The Royals have Sunday's starter against Detroit currently listed as TBA. The 26-year-old southpaw was scratched from his last start on Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians with back tightness, but it's not considered a serious injury. If he can get through his bullpen session on Thursday without any further issues, he should be cleared to take the ball next on Sunday against the Tigers. If Cameron makes the start on Sunday, fantasy managers should be looking to fade him after his back injury. The Tigers rank 10th in baseball with a team OPS of .718, and Cameron hasn't exactly been great so far in his six starts for KC this year, posting a 5.40 ERA and 1.61 WHIP with 28 strikeouts and 11 walks in 31 2/3 innings pitched.

May 7

Cole Ragans • SP • Royals

Royals Hopeful That Cole Ragans Makes his Next Start

Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro said that he doesn't think left-hander Cole Ragans' elbow/triceps injury is serious and is hopeful that he makes his next start, according to Royals broadcaster Joel Goldberg. Ragans felt his elbow/triceps in the third inning of his outing against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday, and the Royals wanted to be cautious, which is why they pulled him. The 28-year-old southpaw tossed three shutout innings with one hit allowed, two walks, and four strikeouts before hitting the showers early. The Royals will likely send Ragans for testing, at which point we'll have a better idea of whether he'll have to miss any time. Ragans has been up and down so far in 2026, but it looked like he was about to have a really good performance against Cleveland before his arm injury on Wednesday. He's currently 1-4 on the season with a 4.84 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with 45 punchouts and 23 walks in 35 1/3 frames over his eight starts. Ragans has really been hurt by the long ball, surrendering a league-high 10 long balls.

May 7

Cole Ragans • SP • Royals

Cole Ragans Exits Early from Start on Wednesday Due to Elbow and Triceps Soreness

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Cole Ragans (elbow, triceps) exited early from his start on Wednesday against the Cleveland Guardians due to elbow and triceps soreness, per Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star. Ragans threw 68 pitches across three scoreless innings, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out four. The 28-year-old has gotten off to a slow start to the 2026 season, pitching to a 4.84 ERA and 1.42 WHIP with 45 strikeouts across 35 1/3 innings (eight starts). While the exact nature of Ragans' injury is not yet clear, any elbow issue is obviously a major concern for the left-hander. Should Ragans require a trip to the injured list, right-hander Stephen Kolek could be the favorite to take his spot in the Kansas City rotation.

May 6

Carlos Estévez • RP • Royals

Carlos Estevez Leaves Rehab Outing With Shoulder Discomfort

Kansas City Royals right-handed reliever Carlos Estevez (shoulder, foot) left his minor-league rehab outing on Wednesday early at Triple-A Omaha with right-shoulder discomfort, according to Anne Rogers of MLB.com. Estevez recorded two outs, but his velocity was down, and he exited after the second out when a trainer came to visit with him. Estevez has been on the 15-day injured list since he was hit by a comebacker on his left foot after his first appearance of the season. The 33-year-old Dominican veteran and two-time All-Star allowed six earned runs in one-third of an inning of work before being hit in the foot, and his velocity was noticeably down in spring training as well. Estevez might have recovered from his foot injury, but now he has shoulder concerns and could need to restart a rehab assignment. It's becoming harder to justify stashing Estevez in fantasy leagues, and Lucas Erceg's run as KC's primary closer could be extended, depending on how serious Estevez's shoulder injury is. Estevez is currently rostered in 64% of Yahoo leagues.

May 6

Noah Cameron • SP • Royals

Noah Cameron Scratched From Tuesday's Start With Back Tightness

The Kansas City Royals announced on Monday night that left-hander Noah Cameron (back) will be scratched from his scheduled start on Tuesday against the Cleveland Guardians due to lower-back tightness. Right-hander Stephen Kolek (oblique) will be activated from the 15-day injured list to start in place of Cameron on Tuesday. It's been a rough start to Cameron's second year in the big leagues, as he currently is sporting a 5.40 ERA (4.47 FIP) and 1.61 WHIP with 28 strikeouts and 11 walks in 31 2/3 innings across his six starts for the Royals. It's unclear as of now if the Royals will just skip one of Cameron's starts or if he'll have to go on the IL and miss several turns in the starting rotation. The 26-year-old southpaw had solid numbers on the surface in his rookie campaign in 2025, going 9-7 with a 2.99 ERA (4.18 FIP), 1.09 WHIP, and 114:43 K:BB in 138 1/3 frames across his 24 starts. Fantasy managers in mixed leagues who have Cameron rostered shouldn't feel forced to hang onto him, especially if he goes on the IL.

May 5

Carlos Estévez • RP • Royals

Carlos Estevez Expected to Begin a Rehab Assignment on Tuesday

The Kansas City Royals are anticipating right-handed reliever Carlos Estevez (foot) will start a minor-league rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday. Estevez only made one appearance for the Royals before being hit in the foot by a comebacker and going on the 15-day injured list with a left-foot contusion, but he's nearing a return to the big-league bullpen and could be back with the club this week. The 33-year-old veteran had a league-high 42 saves and was an All-Star for the second time in his career in 2025 in his first year with the Royals, but his velocity was noticeably down during spring training, and he was lit up for six earned runs on four hits (one homer) while walking two and striking out none in one-third of an inning in his only appearance so far this year before going on the IL. Lucas Erceg has been up and down as the Royals' fill-in closer with Estevez on the shelf, so the veteran reliever may regain closer duties upon his return from the IL. Fantasy managers searching for saves could take a flier on Estevez in hopes that he can regain some velocity and turn things around in 2026. He's only rostered in 64% of Yahoo leagues currently.

May 4

Lucas Erceg • RP • Royals

Lucas Erceg Regaining Closer Value After Recent Success?

Kansas City Royals right-hander Lucas Erceg picked up two saves over the weekend during the Royals' road trip to Seattle to take on the Mariners. On the season, Erceg has now racked up nine saves in 11 save opportunities, all while posting a 3.77 ERA, 1.40 WHIP, and 13 strikeouts in 14 1/3 innings pitched with 10 walks allowed. Since a few bumps in the road on April 16 at Detroit and April 20 versus Baltimore, where in those two outings he allowed four earned runs on 1 2/3 innings pitched while blowing two save opportunities in a row, Erceg has been lights out in every other appearance. Four of the six earned runs that Erceg has allowed this season came in those two outings. Erceg appears to have a firm grip on this closer role and ranks second in MLB in total saves with nine, remaining a must-start in all formats, especially while Carlos Estevez (foot) remains sidelined.

May 4

Carter Jensen • C • Royals

Carter Jensen Emerging as a Power Bat to Target on the Waiver Wire

Across 111 plate appearances so far in 2026, Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen is hitting .235/.315/.439 with six home runs, 16 RBI, and 13 runs scored. The 22-year-old's elevated 29.7% strikeout rate is a red flag in his profile, limiting his batting average upside. However, Jensen's 12.1% barrel rate and 45.5% hard-hit rate are indicators of intriguing power potential. Jensen has also established himself as an everyday staple in the Kansas City lineup, rotating between catcher and designated hitter duties with veteran Royals backstop Salvador Perez. For fantasy managers looking for power off the waiver wire, Jensen is a logical target.

May 3

Kansas City Royals News

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