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John Rave John Rave Gaining traction in outfield
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 1:54 PM
Rave will start in right field and bat seventh in Monday's game against the Rays.
Analysis: Rave will crack the lineup for the third time in four matchups versus right-handed pitchers and appears to be getting prioritized over fellow left-handed hitter Kameron Misner for the final opening in the Kansas City outfield. Since being promoted from Triple-A Omaha on June 14, Rave has gone 3-for-7 with three extra-base hits, three walks, two RBI and three runs over four games, earning himself some more opportunities in the process. |
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Nick Loftin Nick Loftin Awarded seventh straight start
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 1:50 PM
Loftin will start at third base and bat eighth in Monday's game against the Rays.
Analysis: Loftin will remain in the lineup for a seventh straight game after going 7-for-22 with one home run, four doubles, three walks, four RBI and two runs across the prior six contests. He's been the main beneficiary of Maikel Garcia (hand) and Bobby Witt (knee) both having missed time over the past week, but Loftin's opportunities could dry up if Witt avoids a stint on the injured list. Garcia already seems to be past his hand injury, as he'll cover shortstop Monday in place of Witt for a second straight game. |
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Kameron Misner Kameron Misner Passed over for start vs. RHP
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 1:46 PM
Misner is out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rays.
Analysis: The left-handed-hitting Misner will be on the bench for the third time in the Royals' last four matchups with right-handed starting pitchers. Since being called up from Triple-A Omaha on June 10, Misner has held his own at the plate with a .350/.381/.350 slash line over 22 plate appearances, but it hasn't been enough for him to gain a foothold in the everyday lineup. The Royals seem to be prioritizing Lane Thomas and John Rave over Misner in the outfield in the wake of Kyle Isbel (foot) and Vinnie Pasquantino (hand) recently landing on the injured list. |
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Bobby Witt Jr. Bobby Witt Jr. Remaining sidelined Monday
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 1:37 PM
Witt (knee) remains out of the lineup for Monday's game against the Rays.
Analysis: Witt hasn't played since exiting last Thursday's contest against the Cardinals due to a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his right knee. The Royals have seemed optimistic to this point that Witt could avoid a stint on the injured list, but the time to make a decision one way or another is likely coming soon. Maikel Garcia will shift over to shortstop again Monday, while Nick Loftin will grab the start at third base. |
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Nick Mears Nick Mears Dealing with setback
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 11:47 AM
Mears (shoulder) was tracking toward a rehab assignment but experienced soreness after his bullpen session Tuesday, MLB.com reports.
Analysis: Mears appeared to be progressing well in rehab from a right shoulder impingement, but he came out of Tuesday's bullpen session with the same soreness and pinching feeling that landed him on the injured list. The right-hander underwent further evaluation Thursday, and while an updated outlook remains undisclosed, the setback has almost certainly pushed back his timeline for both a rehab assignment and return to the big leagues. Before hitting the shelf May 29, Mears posted a 5.12 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 15:11 K:BB across 19.1 innings. |
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Kris Bubic Kris Bubic Logs bullpen session Sunday
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 11:36 AM
Bubic (elbow/shoulder) threw a two-up bullpen Sunday, per MLB.com.
Analysis: Working back from left elbow soreness, Bubic suffered a setback after experiencing shoulder discomfort following a rehab start with Triple-A Omaha on June 9. The southpaw underwent an MRI that revealed no structural damage to either his elbow or shoulder, an encouraging development that has allowed him to resume building back up. Having now completed a bullpen session, the 28-year-old could restart his rehab assignment soon, provided he doesn't experience any renewed discomfort. Before being shelved, Bubic posted a 3-2 record with a 4.11 ERA, 1.23 WHIP and 51:26 K:BB across 50.1 innings (nine starts). |
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Michael Massey Michael Massey Logs three hits Sunday
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 11:26 AM
Massey went 3-for-5 with two RBI and a stolen base in Sunday's 12-10 loss to the Cardinals.
Analysis: Massey contributed offensively, opening the scoring with a two-run single in the first inning as part of a three-hit performance. The 28-year-old's steal of second base in the third frame marked his second swipe of the season and first since May 2. It has been a standout June for the second baseman, as he's hitting .323/.333/.516 with three homers, three doubles, 12 RBI and nine runs scored across 17 appearances this month. |
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Carter Jensen Carter Jensen Stays hot in Sunday's loss
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 11:19 AM
Jensen went 2-for-3 with a solo home run, two additional runs scored and two walks in Sunday's 12-10 loss to the Cardinals.
Analysis: Jensen's hot stretch continued Sunday, as he came around to score a season-high three times and went the opposite way for his 10th homer of the campaign in the sixth inning. The 22-year-old is in the midst of a 12-game hitting streak, during which he's slashing .375/.407/.708 with three homers, seven doubles, 11 RBI, 12 runs and a stolen base. His recent production has helped him settle into the leadoff spot against right-handed pitching. |
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Jac Caglianone Jac Caglianone Stays scorching with two homers
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 3:12 AM
Caglianone went 2-for-3 with two home runs, two walks, three RBI and three runs scored in Sunday's 12-10 loss to the Cardinals.
Analysis: Caglianone continued his hot stretch at the plate with his second multi-homer game of the month. The slugger launched a two-run shot off Dustin May in the second inning before adding a solo homer in the ninth as Kansas City attempted a late comeback. Caglianone has now homered in three consecutive games, bringing his season total to 12 long balls. The 23-year-old has been one of baseball's hottest hitters recently, batting .375 with a 1.236 OPS and six homers over his last 12 games. While his season line of .275/.349/.480 may not jump off the page, his recent power surge is certainly worth monitoring. |
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Stephen Kolek Stephen Kolek Shelled in short start
Mon, Jun 22, 2026, 2:51 AM
Kolek (4-2) took the loss Sunday against the Cardinals, allowing nine runs on nine hits and one walk over 1.2 innings.
Analysis: Kolek entered the day in excellent form, having allowed two runs or fewer in five of his previous six starts, but he was unable to escape the Cardinals' relentless offense Sunday. The right-hander was tagged for three home runs in his short outing, including two by rookie JJ Wetherholt, and was chased before completing the second inning. The nine runs allowed were a career high and caused his ERA to balloon by more than a full run. Kolek now owns a 4.15 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 34:11 K:BB across 52 innings. He will seek to get back on the right track against the White Sox on the road in his next scheduled start. |
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Maikel Garcia Maikel Garcia Back in lineup Sunday
Sun, Jun 21, 2026, 9:53 AM
Garcia (hand) will start at shortstop and bat second in Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
Analysis: A left hand strain had kept Garcia out of the lineup for the Royals' previous three games, but the extra rest plus a team off day Saturday appears to have provided enough time for him to move past the issue. Though he had made all of his starts to date at third base or designated hitter, Garcia will cover shortstop Sunday while Bobby Witt (knee) misses a second straight game. |
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Bobby Witt Jr. Bobby Witt Jr. Remaining out of starting nine
Sun, Jun 21, 2026, 9:50 AM
Witt (knee) is out of the lineup for Sunday's game against the Cardinals.
Analysis: A team off day Saturday didn't provide sufficient time for Witt to fully heal from a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his right knee, prompting the Royals to keep him on the bench for a second straight game. Maikel Garcia will step in at shortstop in place of Witt, who will be re-evaluated Sunday and could still avoid a stint on the injured list. |
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Seth Lugo Seth Lugo Collects third win of season
Sat, Jun 20, 2026, 8:23 AM
Lugo (3-4) earned the win Friday against the Cardinals after allowing two runs (one earned) on five hits and three walks across six innings. He didn't record a single strikeout.
Analysis: Lugo failed to record a strikeout for the first time this season, but he still posted a quality start in his return to the rotation after he was on the shelf for the past week due to a concussion. Lugo has been pitching well of late, allowing three runs or fewer in five of his last six appearances. Over that stretch, he has a 3.58 ERA and 1.22 WHIP despite a below-average 5.5 K/9. Lugo is poised to make his next start on the road against Tampa Bay. |
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Jac Caglianone Jac Caglianone Launches 10th homer of season
Sat, Jun 20, 2026, 8:13 AM
Caglianone went 2-for-4 with a home run, an additional RBI and an additional run scored in Friday's win over the Cardinals.
Analysis: Caglianone has gone yard in back-to-back games for the first time this season, and it seems he's finally rediscovering his power stroke. He didn't launch his first homer of the season until April 20, but he has hit five of his 10 long balls since the beginning of June, slashing .365/.444/.651 with 13 RBI, 14 runs scored, two steals and a 7:19 BB:K in 17 games this month. |
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Alex Lange Alex Lange Records fifth save of season
Sat, Jun 20, 2026, 7:48 AM
Lange earned the save Friday against the Cardinals after a scoreless one-third of an inning, allowing one hit. He did not record a strikeout or a walk.
Analysis: Lange entered the game with two outs and a three-run lead, but he tossed a wild pitch and later gave up a two-run single to Blaze Jordan. However, Lange would close the game out by retiring Jose Fermin. Since Carlos Estevez has dealt with ankle, foot and shoulder injuries and is currently on the 60-day IL, Lange doesn't have much competition for the closer role. Even though he clinched the save here, Lange has given up three runs (two earned) on four hits with a 2:3 K:BB over four innings in his last four appearances. |
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Bobby Witt Jr. Bobby Witt Jr. Diagnosed with Grade 1 MCL sprain
Fri, Jun 19, 2026, 3:37 PM
Witt has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 MCL sprain in his right knee following an MRI, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: Witt had to exit Thursday's game versus the Cardinals when his knee twisted awkwardly on a sliding stop at shortstop, and he is not in the lineup Friday. Royals manager Matt Quatraro referred to the diagnosis as a "best-case scenario," adding that the club will see how Witt is feeling Sunday following the team off day Saturday before determining next steps. That suggests Witt has a chance to avoid the 10-day injured list. |
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Maikel Garcia Maikel Garcia On bench again Friday
Fri, Jun 19, 2026, 2:57 PM
Garcia (hand) is not in the lineup for Friday's game against the Cardinals.
Analysis: It's the third straight game on the bench for Garcia as he continues to manage soreness in his left hand. The 26-year-old departed Tuesday's matchup with the Nationals due to the injury, but it's actually a nagging issue that he's been dealing with throughout the past month. Nick Loftin is picking up another start at third base Friday. |
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Bobby Witt Jr. Bobby Witt Jr. Held out of Friday's lineup
Fri, Jun 19, 2026, 2:54 PM
WItt (knee) is out of the lineup for Friday's game against the Cardinals.
Analysis: Witt departed Thursday's game against the Cardinals with an apparent knee issue after his right leg twisted under him on a sliding attempt at shortstop, and he'll sit for at least one game. A rare team day off Saturday will provide the All-Star shortstop two straight days of rest heading into Sunday's series finale. |
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Mason Black Mason Black Returns to Triple-A
Fri, Jun 19, 2026, 1:45 PM
The Royals optioned Black to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.
Analysis: The right-hander was called up by the Royals in late May and will return to Omaha after giving up seven runs with a 10:9 K:BB over 13 innings during this stint in the majors. Black's demotion clears roster space for Seth Lugo (concussion), who is starting Friday's game against the Cardinals. |
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Seth Lugo Seth Lugo Reinstated for Friday's start
Fri, Jun 19, 2026, 1:35 PM
The Rangers reinstated Lugo (concussion) from the 7-day injured list to start Friday's game against the Nationals.
Analysis: The 36-year-old has been on the shelf for the past week after being struck in the head by a comebacker, but he'll quickly re-enter Kansas City's rotation. Lugo has a 3.86 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 66:25 K:BB across 79.1 innings through 14 starts this season. |
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