Royals Demote Closer Amid Disastrous Season
Summary
The Kansas City Royals sent pitcher Lucas Erceg to a lower league team due to a poor season and called up pitcher Carlos Duran from their minor league team. The Royals hope Duran can improve their pitching after Erceg struggled as their closer this year.Key Facts
- Lucas Erceg, a right-handed relief pitcher, was moved to Triple-A because of his worst career season in 2026.
- Erceg has a 6.23 earned run average (ERA) this year and has blown 6 of 18 save chances.
- Carlos Duran, also a right-handed pitcher, was recalled from Triple-A to join the Royals' main team.
- Duran was acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for Kris Bubic at the trade deadline.
- Duran has pitched well in the minor leagues this year, with a 3.38 ERA and 61 strikeouts in 42.2 innings.
- Erceg helped the Royals reach the postseason in 2024 and had solid performances in previous seasons.
- The Royals are looking for a reliable pitcher in high-pressure situations, known as a “high-leverage arm.”
- Duran’s first game for the Royals is scheduled against the Oakland Athletics.
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