Alex Lange
Breakdown
Performance
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June 10, 2026
Strengthens grasp on closer role
Lange earned a save against the Rangers on Tuesday, walking one batter and striking out two over one scoreless inning.
Analysis
Lange was called upon to close things out with Kansas City up by two runs in the ninth inning. The right-hander threw just 10 of 19 pitches for strikes, hurled a wild pitch and walked a batter, but he also struck out the final two batters he faced and got out of the frame without allowing any runs. Lange now has four of the Royals' past five saves and is clearly the team's preferred ninth-inning option. He's earned that role by registering nine consecutive scoreless outings. Since April 22, Lange has a 1.77 ERA and 17:10 K:BB over 20.1 innings spanning 20 appearances.
June 7, 2026
Notches third save
Lange gave up a hit and struck out three in a scoreless ninth inning Saturday to record his third save of the season in a 3-2 win over the Twins.
Analysis
Royals manager Matt Quatraro suggested earlier this week that he would be playing matchups in closing situations while Lucas Erceg worked through his struggles, but since then Lange has gotten three straight saves, with Saturday's coming when Kody Clemens, a left-handed power hitter, was leading off the ninth for the Twins and representing the tying run. Lange has been scored upon just once in his last 12 appearances, posting a 0.75 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 11:3 K:BB in 12 innings, and he appears to have seized the top spot in the Kansas City bullpen.
June 5, 2026
Records second save Thursday
Lange earned the save Thursday against the Twins, allowing one hit and one walk with no strikeouts in a scoreless ninth inning.
Analysis
With Kansas City recently shifting toward a matchup-based approach in the ninth inning, Lange was called upon again to protect a two-run lead. The right-hander worked around a hit and a walk, allowing the potential winning run to come to the plate before inducing a game-ending groundout from Brooks Lee to secure his second save of the season and his second in as many days. Lange has been effective lately, holding opponents scoreless in 10 of his last 11 appearances, and he could continue to see additional save opportunities if the Royals stick with their current committee approach. He owns a 4.18 ERA, 1.39 WHIP and a 28:15 K:BB across 28 innings.
June 4, 2026
Holds on for first save
Lange secured the save Wednesday against the Reds, allowing no runs on one hit and one walk in the ninth inning. He struck out two.
Analysis
After closer Lucas Erceg blew his sixth save of the season Tuesday, Lange converted his first save chance Wednesday but did allow the potential tying run to get to the plate. The Royals figure to continue exploring their ninth-inning options, at least until Carlos Estevez (shoulder) makes his way back into the bullpen mix. Lange has a lackluster 4.33 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 28:14 K:BB over 27 innings.