Lucas Erceg

Estévez's rotator cuff diagnosis means Erceg is locked as KC's closer through at least mid-summer. He's still on the wire in over half of leagues. In any 12-team format that hasn't claimed him yet, he's the priority RP add this week — the Royals win their share of close games and the role is yours, full stop.

Officially dethroned. After his sixth blown save (third consecutive), KC manager Matt Quatraro declared a committee. Erceg's 2026 line: 11 saves, 6 BS, 6.33 ERA, 1.92 WHIP. Drop in all formats. Alex Lange is the most likely next save-getter in Kansas City; add him if he's available.

Three straight blown saves, six on the year — MLB's most. His ERA is 5.06 with a 1.69 WHIP and he's only converted 1 of his last 5 save chances since May 15. Carlos Estevez (foot) is expected to begin a rehab assignment soon. Drop in most formats; the job is not secure.

Three straight blown saves, ERA 6.33, five blown saves total on the season. Kansas City is publicly backing him, but Daniel Lynch (1.84 ERA, 0.61 WHIP) is the logical replacement and the best buy-low target in any two-closer format. Sell Erceg's saves value now while his job title is still 'closer.'

5 blown saves, 5.06 ERA, 1.69 WHIP — his peripherals are catastrophic. Preseason closer Carlos Estévez has been cleared for a rehab assignment. Once Estévez returns, Erceg's role is in immediate jeopardy. Sell high on any remaining saves value right now.

Five blown saves and a 5.06 ERA; his closer grade dropped from 79 to 67 this week (Athlon Sports). The only reason Erceg still has the job is Carlos Estevez's shoulder injury, which will keep him out at least another month. Viable only in very deep leagues — the Royals are going nowhere and the ninth-inning situation is genuinely unstable.

Holding the job with 10 saves while Carlos Estevez (shoulder) is out at least another month. Erceg's K-BB rate raises durability concerns — he could lose the role if he struggles before Estevez returns.

11 saves; 6-of-7 conversions since April 21. With Bubic on IL and the Royals leaning into their bullpen for tight games, Erceg's volume should climb. Top-12 RP rest of season.

Estévez's rotator cuff strain shut him down for at least 6+ weeks (3-week no-throw, then ramp). Erceg is locked. Top-12 RP rest of season — still on the wire in 53% of leagues. Last call.

Estévez's rotator cuff strain shuts him down for 3 weeks (return mid-to-late June at earliest). Erceg is locked as the KC closer through at least mid-summer. Top-12 RP rest of season; claim in any league he's still floating.

Estévez's rehab setback (shoulder discomfort) means Erceg's hold on the Royals' 9th is now indefinite. He's a top-15 RP rest of season — claim in any league where he's still floating.

Closer Monkey notes Estévez and Hader scheduled for Triple-A appearances. Until they're cleared, Erceg is the locked KC closer — top-15 RP rest of next 4 weeks.

8 saves and counting — but Estevez's rehab status remains uncertain, which means the role could be tested when he's ready. For now, Erceg is the play; consider him a top-15 RP rest of the next 4-6 weeks.