The Royals announced they have placed reliever Lucas Erceg on the 15-day Injured List with right shoulder impingement syndrome, effectively ending his season. Reliever Steven Cruz was activated from the Injured List.
Erceg gave up three hits, including a home run, in one inning of work on Wednesday. For the year, Erceg posted a career-best 2.64 ERA in 61 appearances, although his strikeout rate fell this year. He pitched in 61.1 innings with 48 strikeouts and 18 walks. He missed two weeks in a stint
on the Injured List back in June due to back inflammation.
The Royals acquired Erceg from the Athletics in exchange for three players last summer. One of those pitchers, Mason Barnett, is on the Athletics roster and could face the Royals next week. He has a 7.56 ERA in his first four MLB starts. The Athletics have already cut reliever Will Klein, who is now in the Dodgers organization. Outfielder Jared Dickey hit .269/.370/.381 in 121 games between High-A and Double-A, but is not ranked among the top 30 prospects in the Athletics organization by MLB Pipeline. The Royals will have Erceg under club control through the 2029 season.
Cruz missed six weeks with a right shoulder impingement. He has enjoyed a brreakout season with a 3.61 ERA in 43 appearances, striking out 35 with 18 walks in 42.1 innings.
