The Kansas City Royals made a roster move after an injury announcement.
The Kansas City Royals have lost six straight games, sliding back into last place in the American League Central. Entering Sunday, they are in danger of being swept for a second consecutive series.
Kansas City opened the month of May strong, but their momentum has disappeared, and the club now sits at 19-27. The struggles have been compounded by injuries, and the latest blow comes to one of their most important bullpen arms, left-hander Matt Strahm.
The Royals announced ahead of a game against the St. Louis Cardinals that left-handed relief pitcher Matt Strahm has been placed on the 15-day injured list with right knee inflammation. Left-hander Bailey Falter was returned from his rehab assignment and reinstated from the injured list in a corresponding move.
Strahm has dealt with knee inflammation before in his career, but those past instances have not been serious. The Royals will hope that is also the case this time around. This setback marks Strahm's first stint on the injured list since 2022.
Kansas City acquired Strahm from the Philadelphia Phillies in December in a one-for-one trade for Jonathan Bowlan.
The 34-year-old southpaw arrived with an impressive track record, including a 2.74 ERA in 2025 and an All-Star selection in 2024. His 2026 salary of $4.5 million made him an affordable, experienced addition to a Royals bullpen that needed stability.
Strahm is currently in his 11th big-league season. This marks Strahm's second stint in Kansas City. The Royals originally drafted him in the 21st round of the 2012 MLB Draft. He developed in the organization's system for years before eventually debuting in 2016. Strahm has also spent time with the San Diego Padres and Boston Red Sox.
Strahm has been solid but not dominant for the Royals this season. Through 16 1/3 innings, he owns a 3.86 ERA. His strikeout and walk rates have dipped from last year, settling closer to league-average.
The Royals bullpen has been one of the weakest in baseball. Falter’s return likely will not dramatically shift the unit’s performance, but he will fill Strahm’s role as a left-handed middle-relief option. Falter has primarily been a starter throughout his career, most notably during his time with the Pittsburgh Pirates. However, his struggles have led to him reinventing himself as an option in relief.
Kansas City hopes Strahm’s absence is brief, but with the team struggling and the bullpen being its biggest weakness, his injury comes at a difficult time.