Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Lucas Erceg (hand) is likely going to miss a few days after taking a comebacker off his right hand during Thursday's game. The right-hander is considered as day-to-day as he's still dealing with soreness and swelling in his hand. At least Erceg didn't suffer a serious injury and isn't expected to miss a lengthy amount of time. In the meantime, James McArthur will likely step into the closer role for the next few days. He could have some streaming appeal to fantasy managers in category leagues.

Kansas City Royals right-handed reliever Lucas Erceg (hand) was removed from his appearance early on Thursday against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park after taking a comebacker off his throwing hand. First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (undisclosed) was actually injured on the same play during a collision at first base and was also pulled from the game. Erceg tried to field a comebacker with his bare hand on the play. The 29-year-old will surely undergo testing on his hand to determine the severity of the injury. He ended up allowing three earned runs on two hits while walking one in just one-third of an inning to get hit with a blown save (his fifth) and his fifth loss of the year. Coming into Thursday, Erceg had taken over closing duties in KC after being acquired from the A's in a deadline trade and had five saves with a 0.68 ERA in his 12 appearances. If he misses time, James McArthur is likely to get another shot in the closer's role.

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Lucas Erceg continued his recent hot streak in Monday's Game 1 4-3 win over the Guardians, picking up his eighth save of the season. Erceg came in to pitch the bottom of the ninth inning up by one. He got the first out on a line-out, allowed a walk, and got the final two outs on a line-out and a pop-out. The 29-year-old has pitched well all season and has yet to allow a run since being traded to the Royals. Further, five of his last six appearances have been saves, suggesting that he is the Royals' bullpen arm to roster for fantasy managers down the stretch.

The Kansas City Royals are finalizing a deal to acquire right-handed reliever Lucas Erceg from the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday, according to sources. It's unclear what the return is going to the A's in exchange for Erceg. The 29-year-old was stepping in for the A's as their primary closer with flamethrowing closer Mason Miller (finger) currently on the injured list, and it's unclear exactly how the Royals plan to use him as a high-leverage reliever. Erceg has secured the first three saves of his career in 2024 while also posting a 3.68 ERA (3.46 FIP) with a 1.20 WHIP, 41 strikeouts and 13 walks in 36 2/3 relief innings. Now that Erceg is gone in Oakland, Tyler Ferguson figures to jump into the primary closing role, at least until Miller returns. If James McArthur continues to struggle securing ballgames, there's a chance that Erceg is given an opportunity to close out games with his new team.

Oakland Athletics reliever Lucas Erceg (forearm) is going to be placed on the injured list with forearm tightness, according to manager Mark Kotsay. The official transaction has not occurred yet but Erceg was already sent back to Oakland for additional testing. The exact severity of the injury should be known in a couple days. It is a tough blow for the Athletics bullpen as Erceg has pitched great as a setup man in 2024. The 29-year-old posted a 2.86 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, two saves, eight holds and 27:8 K:BB across his first 22 innings this season. Austin Adams is the likely candidate to take over Erceg's duties in front of Mason Miller.