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Royals Place Lucas Erceg on 15-Day IL, Adjust Bullpen Roles

Young relievers are stepping into high-leverage assignments to cover Erceg’s absence.

Overview

  • Lucas Erceg was placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to May 27 with a low back strain reportedly tweaked during a weight-room session after fighting an illness.
  • Seth Lugo returned from the injured list to start Friday’s game against the Detroit Tigers, marking his first appearance since suffering a strained middle finger.
  • John Schreiber, Daniel Lynch IV, Angel Zerpa, Jonathan Bowlan and Steven Cruz have been tapped for increased high-leverage opportunities in Erceg’s stead.
  • Erceg entered the season with a 1.96 ERA over 24 appearances and ranked fourth in fWAR among qualified relievers since last August, making his absence a notable setback for Kansas City’s bullpen.
  • Rotation depth remains challenged with Alec Marsh sidelined by a right shoulder impingement and Kyle Wright rehabbing from right shoulder surgery in Double-A.