Erceg pitched a perfect ninth inning while striking out one batter to collect his first save of the season in a 2-0 victory over Houston on Friday.
The Royals turned to Erceg for the ninth inning after deploying primary closer Carlos Estevez twice in three days, and the former did not disappoint. With a 0.87 ERA and 0.39 WHIP through 10.1 innings this season, the 29-year-old Erceg remains one of the most reliable relievers in the league, and he could wrestle back the closer job from Estevez eventually.
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Royals' Lucas Erceg: Returns to mound Tuesday
Rotowire
Erceg (foot) collected a hold and tossed a perfect frame in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Rockies in 11 innings.
Erceg departed Friday's 7-3 loss to the Tigers after being struck on the left foot by a comebacker, but X-rays came back negative, and he was ready to go after three days of rest. After Erceg delivered a scoreless eighth inning, Carlos Estevez suffered a blown save in the ninth inning and now has a 10:9 K:BB over 11 frames this season. Erceg has surprisingly managed just five strikeouts in his 8.1 innings, but he's allowed just one run across 10 appearances. Estevez should have some more leash as the Royals' closer, but Erceg would be next in line if manager Matt Quatraro decides to make a change.
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Royals' Lucas Erceg: X-rays negative
Rotowire
X-rays on Erceg's left foot came back negative after his removal from Friday's game against Detroit.
Erceg wasn't able to walk off the field by himself after getting hit by a 109-mph comebacker in the seventh inning of Friday's contest, but it seems he escaped the incident with only a bruise. He can be considered day-to-day, though the Royals may stay away from using him out of the bullpen until his foot has time to recover.
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Royals' Lucas Erceg: Struck by comebacker, exits game
Rotowire
Erceg was removed from Friday's game against the Tigers after begin hit on his left foot by a comebacker, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
A 109-mph line drive off the bat of Riley Greene found Erceg's left foot/ankle in the seventh inning. He immediately collapsed to the ground after getting hit and wasn't able to walk off the field without the help of a trainer. The Royals should have more information on his status once they're able to take a look at him.
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Royals' Lucas Erceg: Records third hold
Rotowire
Erceg threw a perfect inning while striking out two Sunday against Baltimore to record his third hold of the season.
Erceg has had a strong start to the season with 4.1 scoreless innings and a 3:0 K:BB. He's been working as the primary setup man to Carlos Estevez, though he could also get an occasional save chance.
They Royals plan to use Erceg in the highest leverage spots in 2025, whether that be the ninth for a save opportunity or in the seventh inning, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. Erceg gave up a run with two hits and two strikeouts in one inning during his spring debut Wednesday and reached 98.1 mph with his fastball.
Erceg racked up 11 of Kansas City's 15 saves last season after the team acquired him from Oakland in July and didn't have much competition for the closer role prior to the signing of Carlos Estevez. It appears Erceg will operate as more of a late-inning fireman that receives some save opportunities while Estevez is likely to work the ninth inning with a bit more consistency.
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