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The Kansas City Royals<\/a> shared an important update before Monday’s game against the Cleveland Guardians<\/a>. The team announced that star closer Carlos Estevez<\/a> — who is recovering from a foot injury — will begin a rehab assignment<\/a> on Tuesday at Triple-A.<\/p>\n Estevez, 33, pitched in only one game before the injury. He turned in 0.1 innings of work and surrendered six runs in the outing. He was later placed on the injured list and has not pitched with the Royals since.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Nevertheless, Estevez is a star closer when he is on top of his game. The Royals star had a 2.45 ERA in 67 appearances a season ago. Additionally, Estevez led the league with 42 saves.<\/p>\n Kansas City is certainly hopeful that Estevez will be able to return as soon as possible. The fact that he is set to begin a rehab assignment is obviously encouraging. Barring any setbacks, he should return sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n At 15-19, the Royals are 2.5 games back of first place in the American League Central standings despite currently sitting in fourth place in the division. The Guardians lead the division, so this upcoming series is crucial to say the least.<\/p>\n Estevez’s return — whenever it does happen — will help the Royals amid their pursuit of competing this season.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n As mentioned, Kansas City will begin a series with the Guardians at home on Monday night. It projects to be a competitive series as Kansas City hopes to climb the AL Central standings.<\/p>\n The four-game series will begin on Monday night and go through Thursday. Although it is early in the season, the Royals would still obviously love to improve their placement in the standings.<\/p>\n The Guardians are tied with the Detroit Tigers for first place, but both ball clubs are just 18-17 overall. Neither team has been dominant in 2026. The American League Central is a winnable division without question.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n