AL Central: Bullpen blues in KC

Kansas City Royals

Things have turned ugly for Lucas Erceg, as he has blown three straight saves while also getting shelled in a no-decision appearance on May 24; all told, he has given up 9 ER over his last 3 IP, raising his ERA from 3.26 to 6.45 over the last two weeks. Royals manager Matt Quatraro has said the team plans to stick with Erceg at closer, but these sorts of statements tend to stay valid only as long as the next blown save, and Erceg's 4.78 xERA, 4% K-BB%, and 10 BPV all suggest that his struggles are likely to continue.

It wasn't that long ago that Erceg was a speculative saves favorite, when he was coming off of a 2024 season where he put up a 3.36 ERA, 1.05 WHIP, 28% K%, 14.3% SwK, and 3.07 xERA while picking up 14 saves....

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

Miami's rotation has sustained casualties and attrition, leaving a thinned-out platoon—and opportunity. Plus: Manaea at NYM; prospect SS in PHI; prospect SP in WAS; SS in ATL; more.
Jun 3 2026 10:15am
With Max Muncy returning from the IL, the A's will need to shuffle up the lineup, meaning Zack Gelof could be changing positions again.
Jun 3 2026 3:06am
Since receiving treatment for vertigo, Nathan Lukes has turned his season around, strengthening his case for playing time. Plus, Colton Cowser's resurgence in BAL, and more from around the AL East.
Jun 2 2026 3:05am
Ezequiel Tovar tries to find his old promise, Harrison Bader once again proves to be sneakily valuable, a Diamondbacks prospect finds his way to the majors, and the Dodgers and Padres try to find answers to infield questions.
May 30 2026 3:06am
Which hitters are trying to earn an everyday role in Pittsburgh?
May 29 2026 3:11am

Tools