Carlos Estévez
Breakdown
Performance
NewsPowered by
Powered by
May 7, 2026
Diagnosed with rotator cuff strain
Estevez (foot) was diagnosed with a right rotator cuff strain Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
Estevez made his first rehab appearance in the minors Wednesday as part of his recovery from a left foot injury, but he was removed after just two-thirds of an inning after displaying diminished velocity. Now that he's been officially diagnosed with a strained rotator cuff, the Royals will shut him down from throwing for three weeks before reevaluating him, at which point he may be cleared to restart a throwing program. Lucas Erceg will continue to work as Kansas City's go-to closer while Estevez is out.
May 6, 2026
Exits rehab outing with injury
Estevez (foot) was removed from his rehab appearance at Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday due to shoulder discomfort, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
Estevez's velocity was down during his appearance Wednesday, and he managed to record just two outs before leaving the game alongside a trainer. The right-hander has been on the injured list since the beginning of April due to a left foot injury and was trending toward returning to Kansas City's bullpen around mid-May. However, his latest setback could extend his time on the IL and Lucas Erceg's run as the Royals' primary closer.
May 4, 2026
Cleared for rehab games
Estevez (foot) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.
Analysis
Estevez landed on the 15-day injured list at the beginning of April with a left foot contusion, though his poor performance and velocity issues were arguably the biggest driving force of his IL stint. The veteran reliever's velocity has reportedly ticked back up of late in live batting practice sessions, but to what level isn't clear. Estevez has a chance to get his closer job back if he looks sharp on his rehab assignment, as Lucas Erceg has been an up-and-down performer since taking over as Kansas City's ninth-inning man.