About two weeks ago I wrote the Kansas City Royals having a big issue in their closer role, and they may have found an unlikely resolution. At least a short term one.
The best option seemed like it would be Daniel Lynch IV, but Matt Quatraro went with a different and very unexpected option.
Lucas Erceg, the primary closer, got a chance to close out the game on June 2 but would allow a game tying solo home run in the ninth inning, which would lead to a walk-off loss.
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The very next game the Royals found themselves in another save situation, this time Matt Quatraro would find himself putting the game in Alex Lange‘s hands, and it worked.
Lange hadn’t gotten a save since May 1, 2024 but in game three against the Cincinnati Reds, Lange would lock things down and get the save to secure the Royals a series win.
Most thought it was just a one time opportunity, but the Royals would find themselves needing a save in game one versus Minnesota, and Matt Quatraro would again turn to Lange, and he would lock it down and get the save.
Once again, many fans thought this was just another one-off just giving Erecg another day off.
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But in game three versus the Minnesota Twins, Quatraro would use Erceg in the seventh inning and would once again go to Lange in the ninth inning and he would shut things down and get the save.
Most recently in Wednesday night’s game one against the Rangers, the Royals would find themselves in another save situation, and Lange would come in and get another save.
So, in a five game span, Lange has surpassed his 2024 saves total (two), by securing his fourth save in 2026.
Lange started off the season extremely rough, but in his last 16 games he has stepped things up, he has a 1.64 ERA, in 16.1 innings pitched, 14 strikeouts, only three earned runs, six walks and a 1.10 WHIP.
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While the Royals remain hopeful that Carlos Estevez will return soon and reclaim the closer role, it appears Lange may be the temporary solution to the hole in the bullpen — specifically the 9th inning. And who knows? If he continues to pitch the way he has over the last few weeks, maybe he will prove himself worthy of keeping the job even after Estevez returns from his extended injury absence.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source sports.yahoo.com ’
