Lucas

Erceg

Erceg’s season is over. The 30-year-old forged a 2.64 ERA in his first full season with the Royals over 61 appearances with a 48/18 K/BB ratio across 61 1/3 innings. Assuming good health, Erceg will be a set-up man for Kansas City again in 2026.

Erceg was able to get a rare save chance and took advantage of the opportunity. He did so by taking advantage of the aggressive Washington hitters, as he needed just seven pitches to get through the outing. Erceg would have fantasy appeal if he got the closing gig, but that’s not going to happen. At least not now.

Ironically, this might actually help Erceg’s future prospects, since Royals losses now make it more likely that Carlos Estévez will be traded at the deadline. Not that Mr. Erceg himself was looking at it that way. Pitching in a 1-1 game, Erceg went walk, double, intentional walk before a two-run double broke open the game. Erceg escaped from there after one more intentional walk, but the damage was done. He’s now issued three intentional walks in two days after never being asked to issue one previously this season. The Marlins are just that intimidating.

Erceg gave up a single with one out, committed an error on a pickoff throw and then walked back-to-back batters before giving up an RBI groundout to tie the game. He escaped without further damage, and the Royals won in the bottom of the ninth, with Carlos Estévez picking up the victory, so it’s not too bad of a blemish for Erceg. He has little chance of overtaking Estévez anytime soon, but there is the chance the Royals could trade Estévez later this month, making Erceg their closer.

Erceg missed just a minimum stint on the injured list while recovering from back inflammation. He should return to a high-leverage arm in the Kansas City bullpen.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro told reporters Erceg will likely be back for Wednesday’s game after looking sharp on Sunday in a scoreless relief outing for Triple-A Omaha. The 30-year-old righty hit the injured list back on May 30 with a lower back sprain. His return will provide a lift to Kansas City’s high-leverage mix.

Erceg has been unavailable for the past couple of days, and the Royals won’t place short-handed. He’ll be out of commission until June, and in the meantime the Royals will have Seth Lugo (finger) back in the rotation.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro turned to closer Carlos Estévez for a four-out save on Wednesday night after John Schreiber got in trouble in the eighth inning with Erceg feeling under the weather. The 30-year-old lefty should be available again at some point in the coming days once he’s feeling better.

Carlos Estévez was spared from making what would have been his fifth appearance in seven days. Erceg set up for Estévez on Tuesday and in the first game of Thursday’s doubleheader, but he had shorter outings in both and some time off before that. He likely will be down tomorrow, but Estévez should be fine to go if there’s another save chance.

Erceg was removed from Friday’s relief appearance against the Tigers after being struck in the left foot by a 109-mph line drive. It looked really bad initially as he went down immediately and struggled to put weight on it. However, X-rays came back negative, and he was even able to play catch on Saturday, which means there’s a strong possibility he’ll avoid a trip to the injured list. He’s officially day-to-day with a left foot contusion.