Why the Royals shuffled their bullpen ahead of weekend series against White Sox
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Royals recalled veterans Eli Morgan and Mitch Spence to reinforce a thin bullpen.
- Team optioned Luinder Avila and Steven Cruz to Triple‑A to refresh relief depth.
- Morgan and Spence likely to fill roles while Estévez and Falter remain on IL.
The Kansas City Royals added a couple of veteran pitchers to their bullpen ahead of Thursday’s series opener against the Chicago White Sox, recalling Eli Morgan and Mitch Spence from Triple-A Omaha.
Morgan, a 29-year-old right-hander, was recently with the parent club. He was the 27th man during last Saturday’s doubleheader against the Milwaukee Brewers. He allowed one hit and struck out five in three innings.
The Royals were impressed with his performance.
“He’s a four- or five-year veteran in the big leagues,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “So we are very confident in what he can do. He’s got the plus changeupso he can neutralize lefties. He throws a lot of strikes and he’s ultra-competitive.”
Morgan can pitch in any role and looks forward to establishing a place among the Royals’ relievers.
“Just always ready,” he said. “I know anything can happen, so wherever they need me.”
Spence, 27, was acquired from the Athletics this spring. He tossed five scoreless innings in his lone start with the Storm Chasers.
The Royals like Spence’s versatility. He was built up as a starter and can offer length in the bullpen. He has a 4.77 career ERA in 67 appearances (32 starts).
“I’m not walking into something that I’ve not done before,” he said. “Whatever they need and whenever they need me to throw, I’m ready. I have experience in just about everything, and I’m excited to help.”
Spence is also a new father. On March 29, he and his wife welcomed their son, Dakota, into the world.
“We’re really happy that Dakota’s healthy and mom’s doing well,” Spence said. “It’s been a really exciting time for the Spence family.”
The Royals optioned right-handers Luinder Avila and Steven Cruz in corresponding moves in order to make roster space for Morgan and Spence.
Avila, a 24-year-old right-hander, made a spot-start last week against the Brewers. He also pitched in relief against the Cleveland Guardians on Wednesday. It’s possible he’ll resume a starting role upon his return to Triple-A.
Quatraro said the roster moves were made to fortify the bullpen. The Royals begin a four-game series with the White Sox Thursday. KC is without relievers Carlos Estévez and Bailey Falter — both are on the 15-day injured list.
“We were going to be in a really tough spot if we weren’t able to refresh things,” Quatraro said.
Cruz, 26, was hit hard during his recent relief appearance. He has allowed eight runs across five relief appearances this season. On Wednesday he gave up a grand slam to Guardians infielder Angel Martinez in the Royals’ 10-2 loss at Progressive Field.
“He’s just got to get his confidence,” Quatraro said. “You know, his stuff is really good. He’s got to stay in the (strike) zone and stay on the attack so he can stay ahead of guys and use his stuff the way it should play.”
In the meantime, Morgan and Spence should have chances to contribute in Kansas City.
“To get to go to a team that’s competing for the playoffs and possibly a championship,” Spence said, ”it’s an exciting thing.”
This story was originally published April 9, 2026 at 6:14 PM.
