Kansas City Royals

Beck Way

RP

Way returned to game action as he rehabs from low-back spasms and tightness, though his first rehab outing wasn't particularly sharp. He threw 16 of 24 pitches for strikes and uncorked a wild pitch. In 19 big-league appearances this season, Way has posted a 3.86 ERA, 1.59 WHIP and 21:10 K:BB across 23.1 innings.

Carlos Estevez

RP

Estevez has been progressing in his recovery from a right rotator cuff strain, throwing bullpen sessions that have him on the verge of embarking on a rehab assignment. Given the right-hander's lengthy layoff, the Royals are likely to give him extended time to find his footing in the minor leagues before returning to the big-league roster. The 33-year-old has been out since April 1, initially due to a left foot contusion before suffering the shoulder injury in a rehab outing May 6.

James McArthur

RP

McArthur missed the entire 2025 season while recovering from surgery to repair a fractured right elbow before suffering a setback during spring training. The right-hander ultimately underwent another procedure in late May due to recurring soreness and inflammation in the same elbow. It's a positive sign that McArthur has progressed to a throwing program, though he may be running out of time to return to big-league action in 2026.

Nick Mears

RP

Mears has been sidelined since May 29 due to a right shoulder impingement, with his recovery previously delayed by a right lat strain revealed in a July 10 scan. The 29-year-old had progressed to mound work but has now suffered another apparent setback. Additional testing should provide further clarity on the right-hander's outlook, though the recurring setbacks are certainly concerning. Prior to hitting the shelf, Mears posted a 5.12 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 15:11 K:BB across 19.1 innings.

Maikel Garcia

3B

After missing nearly two months with a hand injury, Garcia played four games with Kansas City this week only to injure his hamstring running the bases Thursday against the Athletics. It's shaping up as somewhat of a lost season for the 26-year-old, who has appeared in just 73 of 129 games and will miss several more. Nick Loftin figures to get most of the starts at third base for the Royals while Garcia is out.