The Royals placed closer Carlos Estévez on the 15-day injured list on Wednesday with a bruised left foot, which he sustained during an appearance Saturday against the Braves. The move is retroactive to Sunday.
In a corresponding move, Kansas City recalled righty Steven Cruz from Triple-A Omaha.
Estévez was hit on the ankle by a 103.5 mph comebacker from the Braves' Michael Harris II during a save opportunity in the ninth inning of Saturday's 6-2 loss at Truist Park. He remained in the game but ended up taking the loss after allowing six runs in one-third of an inning -- the final blow coming on a walk-off grand slam by Dom Smith.
X-rays on Estévez's foot after the game were negative.
The loss marked another outing in which Estévez's velocity was significantly down from last season. After hovering around 89-90 mph during Spring Training, he averaged only 91.2 mph with his fastball Saturday, down 4.7 mph from his 2025 average. He also struggled with command, throwing only 12 strikes among 27 pitches and recording just one swing and miss.
The Royals have been hopeful that Estévez's velocity will return to normal, given his track record. Estévez said Saturday that his velocity matters less than the issues he's having with his command and mechanics.
Dealing with all three together is tough, Estévez said.
“I feel like even if I execute my pitches at the velocity that I have, I’m going to get my outs,” Estévez said. “If I can dominate at 92, pounding the strike zone, and I can do the same thing at 98, it’s going to be a lot tougher.
“I have always been a power pitcher. Usually my career has been dependent on it. But even knowing that my last few years I’ve been kind of low in my velo to start the year, I still find a way to pitch through it and get to the spot I want. I think it’s important, but I'm not going crazy about it. I know it’s going to be there.”