Former Royals pitcher reflects on KC tenure amid career year with Phillies
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Jonathan Bowlan returned to Kauffman Stadium after being traded to the Phillies.
- Bowlan posted a 3.86 ERA in 44 1/3 innings with KC after change to full‑time relief role.
- With the Phillies in 2026, Bowlan owns a 30.7% strikeout rate and 2.57 expected ERA.
Jonathan Bowlan made his long-awaited return to Kauffman Stadium this weekend. And the former Kansas City Royals reliever felt a little different.
For starters, Bowlan couldn’t locate the visiting weight room. And then, he had to get comfortable running out of the visitors’ bullpen.
It was a stark contrast to how it all began. After eight years in the Royals organization, Bowlan was in a different place. He had a new team and stable bullpen role.
He also felt the full-circle nature of the moment: The Royals gave him a chance to begin his career, and now the Philadelphia Phillies offer a pathway to contribute on the national stage.
“The Royals have a special spot in my heart, of course,” Bowlan said. “They gave me an opportunity to live a dream, and I learned all throughout it. And then, just trying to carry that over to here and be the best version (of myself). I’m always going to be grateful to Kansas City and everything they’ve done for me, my family, and for giving me this opportunity.”
Bowlan was traded to the Phillies this offseason. He posted a 4.32 ERA in 37 career games with the Royals across three seasons. Despite being constantly shuffled between Triple-A Omaha and the big leagues, Bowlan contributed in various pitching roles.
At one point, the Royals viewed Bowlan as a starter. He had the size — standing 6-foot-6 — and metrics, plus the pitching arsenal. He featured a four-seam fastball, slider, sinker, curveball and changeup.
The Royals hoped Bowlan could develop into a long-term asset. However, team needs led to a change in his role. In 2025, Bowlan shifted to a full-time relief role and posted solid numbers — a 3.86 ERA in 44 1/3 innings.
Additionally, Bowlan showcased better command, which led to an increase in strikeouts (46) in limited work.
This offseason, the Royals saw an opportunity to acquire left-handed reliever Matt Strahm. The Phillies made Strahm available and KC jumped at the chance. It led to Bowlan departing at a time when his career was progressing forward.
“I learned with KC just mentally getting prepared for any type of situation at any time,” Bowlan said. “It’s just coming over here and putting it into action. Just continuing to work on that and just trying to keep my stuff where it is.”
Bowlan took the next step in Philadelphia. He ranks in the 90th percentile in several categories per Baseball Savant.
Among MLB pitchers, Bowlan owns a 30.7% strikeout rate and 2.57 expected ERA. He also has limited his walks — just six in 27 ⅓ innings.
Bowlan worked a scoreless inning Saturday. He recorded three strikeouts while touching 98 mph with his four-seam fastball. And when he needed it, Bowlan showcased a sweeper that has become a new pitch for him.
“My first half, it’s been pretty good,” Bowlan said. “I mean, of course there’s always room for improvement. Definitely be better. So it’s continuing to take it day in and day out to be the best version of myself for this team.”
Bowlan got a chance to pitch in front of family Saturday night. His parents, sister and grandfather were in attendance as the Phillies won 6-1 over the Royals.
Bowlan hopes to get a chance to pitch again in the series. For now, he will always remember his time with the Royals as he grows in his next chapter.
“It’s a journey you know as a ballplayer,” Bowlan said. “So just trying to continue and keep my faith and continue to keep going a day at a time.”
