The Kansas City Royals optioned right-handed relief pitcher Lucas Erceg to Triple-A amid his career-worst season in 2026. In a corresponding move, the Royals recalled right-handed reliever Carlos Duran, who they acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for All-Star starter Kris Bubic at the trade deadline, from Triple-A. Erceg arrived from the Oakland Athletics at the 2024 trade deadline in exchange for prospects Mason Barnett and Jared Dickey, as well as World Series winner Will Klein.
The right-hander played a key role in getting them into the postseason that year—though they lost in four games in the ALDS. Erceg had a 2.88 ERA that year, converting 11 of his 13 save appearances as a Royal in 2024. He had a similarly solid year last season, playing predominantly as a setup man after blowing five of his seven save opportunities.
He still produced some solid results, posting a 2.64 ERA in 61 games. This season, though, Erceg's results have fallen off a cliff. The right-hander took over as the Royals' closer once again, but blew six of his 18 opportunities this year. he has a 6.23 ERA on the year through 43.1 innings pitched—by far the worst mark of his career.
His last appearance came against his former team on Monday, where he failed to record an out while allowing a run on one hit and two walks. Duran, 25, spent the majority of his career in the Dodgers' organization prior to his arrival in Kansas City, though spent most of 2025 with the Athletics after the Dodgers traded him. The Dodgers re-signed him after he declared free agency at the end of the season.
The right-hander made his MLB debut for the A's last season, allowing three runs on three walks and one hit while recording just one out. It is his only MLB appearance to date. He has had a solid year in the minors this season, pitching in 40 games. 37 of those came with the Oklahoma City Comets in the Pacific Coast League, posting a 3.38 ERA with 61 strikeouts through 42.2 innings pitched.
Since joining the Royals' organization, the right-hander hasn't allowed a run through three appearances with the Omaha Storm Chasers in Triple-A. The Royals will hope he can bring some stability to the bullpen as they look for a consistent high-leverage arm. His first opportunity to make a difference for the Royals comes against the A's on Tuesday at 4:40 p.m.
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