Stephen Kolek
Breakdown
Performance
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May 13, 2026
Tagged for five runs vs. White Sox
Kolek did not factor into the decision Tuesday against the White Sox, allowing five runs on five hits and three walks while striking out six over 4.2 innings.
Analysis
Kolek managed to keep Chicago off the board through four innings despite working through traffic early, including escaping a bases-loaded jam in the third. However, everything unraveled in the fifth inning, as Drew Romo launched a solo homer before Chase Meidroth followed later with a three-run shot that forced Kolek's exit. The outing marked his second start since returning from the injured list, and while the strikeout total was encouraging, the late collapse overshadowed the positives. He'll look to bounce back in his next scheduled outing against St. Louis.
May 12, 2026
Stepping in for injured Ragans
Kolek is slated to start Tuesday's game against the White Sox in Chicago, Scott Merkin of MLB.com reports.
Analysis
After returning from the injured list and delivering a quality start against the Guardians in his 2026 MLB debut last Tuesday, Kolek was demoted to Triple-A Omaha a day later. However, with Cole Ragans (elbow) landing on the IL on Friday, the Royals opted to recall Kolek and will now plug him into Ragans' vacated spot in the rotation. Kolek tentatively lines up for a two-start week, with his second turn likely to come Sunday in St. Louis.
May 8, 2026
Rejoins big club
The Royals recalled Kolek from Triple-A Omaha on Friday.
Analysis
The right-hander was demoted to Omaha on Wednesday but will quickly rejoin the major-league club with Cole Ragans (elbow) landing on the injured list. Kolek made a spot start in place of Noah Cameron (back) earlier this week and could now get a few turns through the rotation with Ragans sidelined. Kolek delivered a quality start in his first MLB appearance of 2026, striking out three and giving up three runs on four hits over six innings while picking up a win versus Cleveland.
