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Stephen Kolek Stephen Kolek Progressing in rehab
Sun, Mar 22, 2026, 11:17 AM
Kolek (oblique) threw a bullpen Saturday and could pitch in minor-league games next week, MLB.com reports.
Analysis: Kolek is gradually building back up as he recovers from the Grade 1 left oblique strain he suffered Feb. 25, logging bullpen sessions Wednesday and Saturday. The right-hander is making progress, but it remains likely he opens the season on the injured list before reporting to Triple-A Omaha. |
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Michael Massey Michael Massey Iffy for Opening Day
Sun, Mar 22, 2026, 11:01 AM
Massey (calf) will not travel to Texas for Monday and Tuesday's exhibitions and will instead remain in Arizona to see action in minor-league games and test his running ability, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: Massey is dealing with a low-grade left calf strain that has kept him out of Cactus League games since March 8. The 28-year-old has been able to take at-bats in back-field games, but his status for Opening Day hinges on his ability to run at 100 percent. If Massey is unavailable for the start of the regular season, Nick Loftin and Drew Waters are strong candidates to make the 26-man roster instead, with Tyler Tolbert also in the mix. |
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Salvador Perez Salvador Perez Homers in return from WBC
Sat, Mar 21, 2026, 8:06 AM
Perez started at designated hitter and went 1-for-3 with a two-run home run in Friday's Cactus League loss to the Giants.
Analysis: Perez opened the scoring, blasting an Adrian Houser sinker to the opposite field for a two-run homer in the first inning. Friday marked the veteran backstop's first Cactus League appearance since winning the World Baseball Classic with Venezuela, though he went just 4-for-22 with an RBI across five WBC games. Coming off a 2025 campaign in which he slashed .236/.284/.446 with 35 doubles, 30 homers and 100 RBI in 155 contests, Perez will have to battle Father Time entering his age-36 season, though there's no question his power remains intact. With Carter Jensen in the fold and set for his first full big-league season, Perez figures to split time between catcher and designated hitter, with occasional starts at first base also a possibility. |
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Steven Cruz Steven Cruz Sent down to Triple-A
Fri, Mar 20, 2026, 7:31 PM
The Royals optioned Cruz to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.
Analysis: Cruz has performed well in the Cactus League, allowing just one earned run while striking out seven batters in 5.2 frames, but he will come up short in the race for a spot in the Opening Day bullpen. The 26-year-old owns a 3.66 ERA and 1.20 WHIP over 64 career innings with the Royals, so it is likely a matter of time before he returns to Kansas City. |
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Luinder Avila Luinder Avila Optioned to Triple-A
Fri, Mar 20, 2026, 7:25 PM
The Royals optioned Avila to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.
Analysis: Avila entered spring training as a candidate to make the Royals' Opening Day bullpen after giving up just two earned runs in 14 innings toward the end of last season. He continued to find success on the mound in the Cactus League, allowing one run in four frames, but he will officially head back to Triple-A to open the new campaign. The Royals may wait until the 24-year-old righty is stretched out as a starter before giving him another trial in the majors. |
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Noah Cameron Noah Cameron Hurt by homers in spring start
Fri, Mar 20, 2026, 8:59 AM
Cameron allowed four runs on five hits, two walks and a hit-by-pitch across 4.1 innings in Thursday's Cactus League loss to Cleveland. He struck out four.
Analysis: Cameron was burned by the long ball, surrendering a solo homer to Jose Ramirez in the first inning before giving up a three-run blast to Kyle Manzardo in the second frame. It's been a lackluster spring for the southpaw, as he's allowed 11 runs on 23 hits and five walks while striking out 11 across five Cactus League appearances (16 innings). With Stephen Kolek (oblique) banged up, Bailey Falter working out of the bullpen and Ryan Bergert optioned to Triple-A, Cameron is in line to open 2026 in the Royals rotation. However, given the competition and depth, he'll need to produce better results in the regular season to firmly hold onto that spot. |
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Carter Jensen Carter Jensen Tallies RBI in spring loss
Fri, Mar 20, 2026, 8:39 AM
Jensen went 1-for-3 with an RBI, a walk and a stolen base in Thursday's Cactus League loss to the Angels.
Analysis: Jensen has cooled off from his hot start to the spring but has still put together a solid showing, hitting .250/.308/.500 with three homers and eight RBI across 12 Cactus League appearances. The 22-year-old impressed with the Royals after being called up in September last season, slashing .300/.391/.550 with six doubles, three homers and 13 RBI in 20 MLB games. In his first full big-league season, Jensen is expected to split time at catcher with franchise icon Salvador Perez but should remain in the lineup at designated hitter, particularly against right-handers when Perez is behind the plate. |
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Lane Thomas Lane Thomas Drives spring homer
Fri, Mar 20, 2026, 8:25 AM
Thomas started in center field and went 1-for-4 with a solo homer, an additional run scored and a stolen base in Thursday's Cactus League loss to the Angels.
Analysis: Thomas opened the scoring, taking Angels starter Yusei Kikuchi deep to center field in the first inning. The outfielder has put together a strong spring, slashing .289/.349/.579 with a double, two triples, two homers, 12 RBI and two stolen bases across 13 games. The 30-year-old inked a one-year deal with the Royals this offseason after undergoing right foot surgery in September and has reportedly shown no signs of lingering effects. Thomas doesn't project to be an everyday starter for Kansas City, but his ability to play all three outfield spots bodes well for him seeing a solid amount of game action. |
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Seth Lugo Seth Lugo Sees MiLB action in return from WBC
Fri, Mar 20, 2026, 8:11 AM
Lugo threw five innings in a minor-league game Thursday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: Lugo threw 72 pitches without issuing a walk and worked through some traffic, reportedly feeling great as he returned to Royals' camp after participating in the World Baseball Classic for Puerto Rico. It was a mixed bag for the right-hander in the WBC, as he tossed four scoreless innings in his first start against Colombia but was chased after recording just one out and surrendering four runs in the quarterfinals against Italy. After posting a 4.15 ERA and 1.29 WHIP across 26 starts and 145.1 innings, Lugo was shut down in September to close the 2025 campaign due to a back injury, though it doesn't appear to be lingering into the spring. The veteran will slot into a solid Kansas City rotation and will look to improve on last year's results and get closer to his 2024 production, when he posted a 3.00 ERA and 1.09 WHIP across 33 outings and 206.2 innings. |
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Jac Caglianone Jac Caglianone Closes strong WBC with Italy
Thu, Mar 19, 2026, 9:17 AM
Caglianone went 4-for-14 with a double, a home run, four RBI, a stolen base and five walks across five games for Italy in the World Baseball Classic.
Analysis: Caglianone got off to a hot start in Cactus League play and carried that momentum into the WBC, highlighted by a two-run blast against the United States on March 10 in pool play. He flashed his exciting power while also showing solid plate discipline, drawing five walks. After a disappointing rookie campaign in which the 23-year-old hit .157/.237/.295 with six doubles, seven homers and 18 RBI across 62 big-league appearances, the Royals wanted him to earn his spot in the lineup. With his strong spring showing, Caglianone figures to see consistent playing time in right field, though the 2024 first-round pick could sit in favor of Starling Marte against left-handed pitching. |
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Bobby Witt Jr. Bobby Witt Jr. Decent showing in WBC
Thu, Mar 19, 2026, 8:56 AM
Witt went 6-for-24 with two doubles, three stolen bases, three runs scored and six walks across six games for the United States in the World Baseball Classic.
Analysis: Witt was a fixture atop the United States lineup, starting at shortstop and leading off in six of seven WBC contests. He didn't dominate at the plate or flash much power, but he still reached base at a .400 clip and showcased his speed with three stolen bases. After a monster 2024 in which he hit .332 with a .977 OPS, the 25-year-old followed up by slashing .295/.351/.501 with 47 doubles, 23 homers, 88 RBI, 99 runs scored and 38 stolen bases across 157 appearances in 2025. Witt has firmly established himself as a legitimate all-around superstar and enters 2026 with lofty expectations. |
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Carlos Estevez Carlos Estevez Velocity still down
Thu, Mar 19, 2026, 8:35 AM
Estevez allowed no hits and three walks with no strikeouts across a scoreless inning in Wednesday's Cactus League loss to the Rangers.
Analysis: Estevez made his return to Cactus League play after tossing an inning for the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic and didn't allow a run, though the outing was far from sharp. The right-hander entered in the sixth inning and promptly walked the first two batters he faced on nine pitches, eventually loading the bases via free passes before inducing a weak groundout from Jake Burger to escape the frame unscathed. As was the case in his earlier spring appearances, Estevez's velocity remained significantly down, with his fastball averaging 89.0 mph after sitting at 95.9 mph last season, while his offspeed offerings were also down several ticks. The veteran is coming off a 2025 campaign in which he recorded a career-high and league-best 42 saves with a 2.45 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 54:22 K:BB across 67 outings and is in line to handle closing duties for the Royals again in 2026, though his diminished velocity is a key factor to monitor moving forward. |
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Matt Strahm Matt Strahm Exits with bruised leg
Wed, Mar 18, 2026, 11:27 PM
Strahm was removed from Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Rangers with a left leg contusion, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: Strahm was lifted immediately after taking a comebacker off his leg in the fifth inning of Wednesday's contest. Manager Matt Quatraro said after the game that the left-hander's removal was precautionary, and the team isn't too concerned about his status going forward -- a good sign that he'll be ready to go for Opening Day. |
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Mitch Spence Mitch Spence Optioned to Omaha
Wed, Mar 18, 2026, 7:51 PM
The Royals optioned Spence to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.
Analysis: The Athletics traded Spence to Kansas City in February, and after surrendering eight earned runs over seven innings during spring training, he will report to Triple-A to begin his tenure with his new organization. The right-hander owns a 4.77 ERA and 1.40 WHIP across 236 innings in his big-league career and may be recalled later in the season to provide long-relief help. |
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Michael Massey Michael Massey Opening Day status in air
Wed, Mar 18, 2026, 5:49 PM
Massey may not be available for Opening Day due to a calf strain, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: Massey is rehabbing from a low-grade calf strain that he suffered last week. He's progressed enough in his recovery to take at-bats in backfield games, but whether he's ready for Opening Day will depend on whether he can run at 100 percent. Participation in the final Cactus League games of spring training would be a good sign for Massey's chances of being available for the start of the regular season. |
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Stephen Kolek Stephen Kolek Begins mound work
Wed, Mar 18, 2026, 5:47 PM
Kolek (oblique) threw a bullpen session Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Analysis: Wednesday marked Kolek's first time throwing off a mound since he suffered a left oblique strain in late February. With just nine days remaining until the Royals' regular-season opener, it's unlikely that the 28-year-old righty will have enough time before then to build up to a starter's workload. However, he may be able to work as a multi-inning reliever in the meantime. |
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Isaac Collins Isaac Collins Ready to play Wednesday
Wed, Mar 18, 2026, 4:05 PM
Collins (side/back) will start at designated hitter and bat leadoff in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Rangers.
Analysis: Collins will return to the lineup for the first time since March 10 after being slowed by mild back and left side tightness over the past week. Prior to missing time, Collins had already logged 20 plate appearances in spring training, so he'll likely need to play in just a couple more games for the Royals to feel comfortable carrying him on the Opening Day roster. |
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Bailey Falter Bailey Falter Strong relief outing
Wed, Mar 18, 2026, 8:51 AM
Falter allowed no hits or walks across three scoreless innings in Tuesday's Cactus League loss to the Dodgers. He struck out five.
Analysis: Falter was originally slated to start Tuesday's contest, but manager Matt Quatraro instead deployed the southpaw out of the bullpen to evaluate his versatility and adaptability, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. Falter responded with his best outing of the spring, entering in the fourth inning and striking out five of the nine batters he faced while averaging 93.6 mph on his fastball, up from 92.1 mph last season. The 28-year-old appears to be on the outside looking in for a spot in the Royals' rotation, especially if the club sticks with a traditional five-man group, so his ability to pitch effectively in relief could boost his chances of making the roster as a left-handed bullpen option. |
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Cole Ragans Cole Ragans Named Opening Day starter
Tue, Mar 17, 2026, 9:07 PM
Ragans will start for the Royals on Opening Day in Atlanta.
Analysis: It will be the third year in a row that Ragans will start KC's first game of the campaign. The left-hander has had an uneven spring, posting an 8.44 ERA and 1.59 WHIP through four games (three starts), but he's also posted a great 15:3 K:BB across 10.2 innings. Ragans will look to stay healthy this year after managing to make just 13 starts in 2025. |
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John Rave John Rave Not breaking camp with KC
Tue, Mar 17, 2026, 7:55 PM
The Royals optioned Rave to Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.
Analysis: Rave got his first taste of major-league action last season and posted a .196/.283/.307 slash line with four homers, 14 RBI, 18 runs and seven stolen bases over 175 plate appearances. Kansas City revamped its outfield during the offseason, leaving Rave without a spot on the season-opening big-league roster. |
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