The Kansas City Royals could get their closer back in the bullpen soon after a positive run for the relievers over the last road trip.
Right-handed pitcher Carlos Estévez is anticipating to start his rehab assignment Tuesday with the Triple-A Omaha Storm Chasers on the road against Indianapolis, the Royals announced Monday.
Estévez was placed on the injury list on April 1 with a foot contusion after being hit by a line drive in the season-opening series against the Atlanta Braves. He’s pitched three live batting sessions at the team’s facilities in Arizona, Royals manager Matt Quatraro told reporters.
Estévez came into the season with velocity concerns since he was only reaching up to 90 mph consistently in spring training. Those concerns were exacerbated when he blew a save against the Braves in his only outing so far this season.
He experienced a similar buildup last year, which ended with a league-leading 42 saves and his second All-Star selection. General manager J.J. Picollo has preached patience with the 33-year-old right-hander.
“If he looks like he’s still maybe a little bit of like a rehab-type of setting, but good enough to come help our team, maybe we ease him into that. But that’s something we want to discuss as this week progresses, and we see how he’s throwing,” Picollo said.
“He’s got the ability to get people out if he’s not 95 or better. So we’ve got to trust his history. And again, a lot of it just comes down to executing pitches. If he’s executing pitches at 93, that’s going to be good enough to pitch in the big leagues.”
KC’s bullpen has trended up of late, following a slow start to 2026.
Over KC’s recent six-game road trip against the Oakland A’s and Seattle Mariners, the bullpen recorded a 1.77 ERA and saved all four wins, including two extra-inning games where the automatic runner failed to score.
Lucas Erceg has grown into the closer role. His nine saves are tied for most in the American League. Picollo noted lefty Daniel Lynch IV has been a boost to the shuffling bullpen; he got his first save of the season (and third of his career) Sunday.
They’ll be needed as the 15-19 Royals host two division rivals in the Cleveland Guardians (18-17) and Detroit Tigers (18-17) with a chance to flip the AL Central early in the season. If Estévez returns soon, it will be a good problem for the Royals to have to reorganize the bullpen with another leader in the mix.
“Carlos has a big presence we missed in spring training when he was at the (World Baseball Classic). There’s a lot of personality there. There’s leadership there,” Picollo said. “I think Carlos has the ability to keep things light down there, help guys prepare and keep guys on their toes. So when they’re ready, when the phone rings for them, they’re ready to go. So yeah, that’ll be a big addition for us.”
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