Lucas Erceg
Breakdown
Performance
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June 7, 2026
Survives for 12th save
Erceg secured the save Sunday against the Twins, allowing no runs on two hits and no walks in two-thirds of an inning.
Analysis
The Royals first turned to Beck Way to close out a 6-1 game in the ninth inning, but the hurler gave up ended up giving up four runs to create a save opportunity. Erceg did surrender a pair of singles Sunday, though he eventually got Brooks Lee to fly out and extinguish the fire. Erceg, who has fallen into a closer committee with Kansas City due to his MLB-worst six blown saves, has a 6.00 ERA, 1.96 WHIP and 21:16 K:BB with 12 saves across 24 frames.
June 4, 2026
Manager playing matchups at closer
Royals manager Matt Quatraro said Wednesday that he will play the matchups in the ninth inning for the short term, but he still views Erceg as a long-term closer option, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.
Analysis
Quatraro made the statement prior to Alex Lange notching his first save of the season in Wednesday's win over the Reds. Erceg blew his sixth save of the season Tuesday and holds a 6.45 ERA with a 20:15 K:BB across 22.1 innings this season. While Erceg could still see save chances for the Royals in the immediate future, he will have to contend with Lange, Daniel Lynch and Matt Strahm. Carlos Estevez (shoulder) should also throw his hat back in the ring if he can get healthy.
June 3, 2026
Blows another save Tuesday
Erceg blew the save in Tuesday's 4-3 extra-inning loss to the Reds, allowing one run on one hit and two walks with two strikeouts in the ninth inning.
Analysis
Tasked with protecting a 3-2 lead, Erceg came on and allowed a leadoff homer to pinch hitter Will Benson to tie the game. Erceg then walked a pair before getting an inning-ending strikeout. Erceg has been dreadful in his last four outings, surrendering nine runs on 14 hits and two walks with three strikeouts across three innings. He has three blown saves in that span, and it's fair to wonder if he's pitched his way out of the ninth. Erceg has six blown saves in 17 chances this season, while his ERA has ballooned to 6.45 with a 20:15 K:BB across 22.1 innings.