Carlos Estévez Diagnosed With Rotator Cuff Strain
MLB Trade Rumors • • sports
Key Points:
- Royals closer Carlos Estévez suffered a rotator cuff strain and will be shut down from throwing for three weeks, with reevaluation scheduled for the end of May.
- Estévez has been sidelined since Opening Day due to a foot contusion and recently experienced shoulder discomfort during a minor league rehab assignment, delaying his recovery timeline to potentially mid-late June.
- His velocity has significantly declined since last season, raising concerns about his effectiveness even before the latest injury, despite his strong performance in previous years.
- The Royals bullpen has struggled overall this season, with a 4.80 ERA ranking 24th in MLB, and Lucas Erceg filling in as closer but facing challenges with control and strikeouts.
- Estévez is under a $22 million contract through this season with a $13 million option for next year, but the Royals are unlikely to exercise it, making him a probable free agent after 2026.
