Carlos Estévez, the Royals’ closer, has been diagnosed with a rotator cuff strain, leading to a three-week shutdown from throwing. This setback follows a previous injury from a comebacker that sidelined him since Opening Day. Estévez’s recovery process has been reset, pushing a potential return to mid-late June. This comes after he struggled with reduced velocity throughout the season, even before his injuries. His absence has forced Lucas Erceg into the closer role, where he has struggled.

By the Numbers
  • Estévez averaged 89.4 mph on his four-seam fastball this spring, nearly 7 mph below last year's level.
  • Lucas Erceg is 10-12 in save chances, allowing six earned runs over 15 1/3 innings.
State of Play
  • The Royals’ bullpen ranks 24th in MLB with a 4.80 ERA.
  • Estévez is the highest-paid reliever on the team, with a $10MM salary in the second year of a $22MM contract.
What's Next

After three weeks of rest, Estévez will undergo a reevaluation, but he faces a long road to return, necessitating further rehabilitation assignments. If performances do not improve, he may be placed on the 60-day IL to create roster space. The Royals may need to assess other bullpen options if his absence extends into summer.

Bottom Line

Estévez’s ongoing health struggles could jeopardize his future with the Royals, making a $13MM option for next season increasingly unlikely. Addressing the bullpen woes will be crucial for the team's performance as they cope with the loss of their closer.