Ryan

Bergert

Bergert’s departure from camp is a notable development since it virtually guarantees that Noah Cameron will have a rotation spot to open the year. The 26-year-old righty posted a respectable 3.66 ERA (4.32 xERA), 1.26 WHIP and 73/35 K/BB ratio across 76 1/3 innings between the Royals and Padres as a rookie last year. Misner and Rave were candidates for a spot on Kansas City’s bench but will head back to the minors to open the year. They profile as platoon options at the highest level.

Shea Langeliers hit three of those, with Nick Kurtz also chiming in. Bergert entered the day having allowed two runs in six innings this spring, and the one bad game probably won’t change much for him. His only real hope of making the Royals is if a starter goes down.

Bergert was helped by having runners thrown out on the basepaths in both the first and second innings, but the Guardians got to him with Steven Kwan’s two-run homer with two outs in the third. Probably the seventh starter on the Royals’ depth chart, Bergert is looking at opening 2026 in Triple-A.

Bergert allowed no hard-hit balls today in the 34-pitch outing. With Stephen Kolek down, it should be between Bergert and Bailey Falter if the Royals need replacement starter this spring. Bergert had a 4.43 ERA in eight starts for Kansas City last year after arriving in the Freddy Fermin deal.

Bergert needed just 26 pitches (17 strikes) to get the job done on Thursday, including punchouts of Gabriel Moreno and Nolan Arenado. The right-hander generated five swings and misses on the day, registering a solid CSW of 27 percent. After showing a spike in velocity in his spring debut, he was much closer to his 2025 average with his fastball at 93.9 mph (+0.5 mph) in this one. He would make for an interesting late-round option for fantasy purposes if he can wiggle his way into the club’s Opening Day rotation.

He threw only 12, but he averaged 95.6 mph with his fastball after coming in at 93.4 mph last season. Bergert, who was part of the Freddy Fermin deal at the deadline, had a 3.66 ERA and a solid 22.6% strikeout rate in 15 starts and four relief appearances for the Padres and Royals last season, but he’s probably out of the mix for a roster spot for now; the Royals’ rotation is set if everyone stays healthy, and Bailey Falter is out of options and set for a middle relief role.

Bergert is expected to be a full-go in spring training, and will presumably compete for a spot in Kansas City’s rotation, after finishing last season on the injured list with an elbow strain. The 25-year-old posted a solid 3.66 ERA across 76 1/3 innings over 19 appearances (15 starts) in his rookie campaign split between the Royals and Padres.

This move was hinted at yesterday and is now official and will end Bergert’s 2025 season. He will head into the off-season hoping to compete for a spot in the 2026 rotation.

Quatraro added that Bergert experienced forearm tightness during Wednesday’s bullpen session between starts and the club isn’t going to take any chances. It’ll be Michael Lorenzen taking the ball on Friday against the Blue Jays in his place. The 25-year-old righty posted a serviceable 4.43 ERA across 40 2/3 innings over eight starts after coming over from the Padres at the trade deadline.

The Royals didn’t want Bergert facing Phillies hitters for a third time, so they pulled him even though they had a 4-3 lead. It didn’t work out; Angel Zerpa gave up a Kyle Schwarber homer to start the fifth and then two more runs before concluding it. After a great first month in Kansas City, Bergert has allowed 11 runs over his last two starts. If he starts again next week against the Blue Jays, he’ll certainly be on a short leash.