Important Royals reliever lands on injured list. Here are the club’s next steps
The Kansas City Royals announced before Sunday’s game that left-handed relief pitcher Sam Long will head to the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation.
Long, 29, was a revelation during the Royals’ 2024 playoff run. He settled into a high-leverage role and pitched well down the stretch. He had a 3.16 ERA in 43 relief appearances after making the club as a non-roster invitee.
Things have been different for Long this season. He has struggled with his command, allowing 12 runs (10 earned) in seven innings.
He said he didn’t feel comfortable on the mound as he tried to pitch through the injury.
“I felt the need to get it checked out and make sure there’s nothing that is preventing me from recovering,” Long said.
On Sunday, the Royals recalled left-hander Evan Sisk from Triple-A Omaha. Long was to return to Kansas City for further medical evaluation.
He’d been looking to get his arm in proper shape. This spring, he dealt with an illness and a hand injury during big-league camp.
He began experiencing discomfort in his elbow as he gradually pitched in games.
“I kind of had a wonky start to the season,” he explained, “where I got sick and then got hit in the hand. So I kind of feel like I have been playing catch-up from there. Trying to grind through it and try to do my best to manage it, be ready to go and just feel OK to pitch.
“It wasn’t a specific throw or pitch. I think just overall, it’s something that’s just not responding.”
Long said the injury — which he had not experienced before — affected his ability to prepare for games. It got to the point where he was putting all of his focus into trying to get his arm healthy enough that he could be available to pitch.
“It’s getting in the way of preparing,” he said. “I think that is the biggest thing. When I can’t prepare to the best of my ability, I need to be able to do that to compete at this level.”
Long is hopeful he will get a positive medical evaluation back in KC. He said he appreciates the support of his teammates and Royals’ coaching staff.
“They know how bad I want to be out there,” he said. “’I’ve just got to get it right. The best way to make this right is to come back the best version of myself and pitch to what I know I’m capable of.”
Sisk, 27, will make his major-league debut with the Royals. He had a 1.57 ERA in 58 games with Triple-A Omaha last season.
He has continued to pitch well this year. In fact, he hasn’t allowed a run in 4 2/3 innings to begin the season.
The Royals acquired Sisk from the Minnesota Twins in 2023. He arrived alongside fellow reliever Steven Cruz in exchange for veteran outfielder Michael A. Taylor.
Both Sisk and Cruz are up with the Royals now. And KC manager Matt Quatraro is excited to watch Sisk continue to develop with his first big-league opportunity.
“I think it’s a great sign for the overall health of the organization,” Quatraro said. “I think that’s a win for pro scouting and it’s a win for the front office and the communication that goes on with pro scouting.”
Wearing No. 47, Sisk will occupy a bullpen role. He figures to be particularly useful against left-handed hitters. The Royals value his ability to pitch consistently in the strike zone, and that could grant him some work in high-leverage situations.
“You work your whole life for a moment like this,” Sisk said. “Just being here, I’m extremely grateful and just ready to get to work.”
