Why Royals still have confidence in closer Lucas Erceg despite recent struggles
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Royals bullpen carries a league-worst 5.22 ERA amid key reliever injuries.
- Erceg has blown five saves; in one game he allowed three earned runs without an out.
- Team and manager publicly reaffirm confidence in Erceg as the current closer.
The Kansas City Royals have a leaky bullpen. And it’s becoming a consistent problem for the the team.
Chief among those concerns are injuries. The Royals are missing key high-leverage relievers in Carlos Estévez, Matt Strahm and Nick Mears. Those three were considered go-to contributors for the relief unit.
Now, the Royals must rely on MLB veterans such as Daniel Lynch IV, Alex Lange, John Schreiber and Lucas Erceg among others. It’s a mix of relievers who are new in their roles or not performing to expectations.
The Royals are tied with a league-worst 5.22 bullpen ERA. The club has counted on Erceg to be the closer, but he has blown five save opportunities.
And on Saturday, he might’ve squandered his biggest chance. The Royals rallied back from an early three-run deficit and handed Erceg a 6-4 lead in the ninth. However, he allowed three earned runs to score and didn’t record an out in the inning.
The Royals suffered a 7-6 loss in walk-off fashion.
“I’ve been terrible lately and kind of just trying to search for some answers,” Erceg said. “But, going to go home and think about it. I’ll be ready for tomorrow.”
The Royals expressed confidence in Erceg. Multiple players still believe Erceg is the right person to close out games at the moment. The problem is that he isn’t getting people out with his high-velocity and command.
It’s something that KC Star columnist Sam McDowell explored earlier this week. And Erceg admitted as much on Saturday afternoon.
“The coaching staff gave me a sheet the other day that basically in black and white was saying that when I get behind 1-0, that hitters hit .300 (or something). And when I get ahead, they hit .100 (or something). So it’s pretty cut and dry what my No. 1 job is, and we’re not doing that right now.”
The Royals plan to stick beside Erceg. However, Royals manager Matt Quatraro felt that the swing-and-miss is missing in his arsenal. It’s contributed to his rough patch and is something both sides look to get corrected.
“He’s got good stuff, and we’ve seen him at his best with us,” Quatraro said. “And he’s a competitor, and that one really hurts. When you give him the ball, you like your chances. And the last game was a little odd. There were things that happened, you know, in the game against the (New York) Yankees. And this one, he was unable to put the guys away.”
Erceg now sports a 6.33 ERA in 23 games. He has recorded 18 strikeouts and walked 13 batters in 21 and 1/3 innings. Meanwhile his strikeouts per nine innings (7.59) is significantly lower, and opponents own a .409 BABIP (batting average on balls in play).
“It starts with me,” Erceg said. “You know, we got behind early, and we did a good job getting back the lead. I think six unanswered, and it’s up to me to close the door. And I didn’t do that.”
The Royals are still comfortable turning to Erceg in a late spot. And his teammates believe in him to deliver once his name is called.
“It sucks, but you know, that’s the game,” Royals catcher Carter Jensen said. “You know, we still, as a team, we back Erceg. We know how good he is. You know, little rough stretch, everybody goes through it. And we’re confident he is going to be just fine.”
The Royals will turn to veteran starter Michael Wacha in Sunday’s series finale. If the game is close, Erceg could be called upon once again.
And he vows to be ready.
“Ten out of ten,” Erceg said of his confidence to stay ready. “Tomorrow is a new day.”
This story was originally published May 30, 2026 at 8:48 PM.
