Lucas Erceg News: Returns to mound Tuesday

Erceg (foot) collected a hold and tossed a perfect frame in Tuesday's 4-3 win over the Rockies in 11 innings.

Erceg departed Friday's 7-3 loss to the Tigers after being struck on the left foot by a comebacker, but X-rays came back negative, and he was ready to go after three days of rest. After Erceg delivered a scoreless eighth inning, Carlos Estevez suffered a blown save in the ninth inning and now has a 10:9 K:BB over 11 frames this season. Erceg has surprisingly managed just five strikeouts in his 8.1 innings, but he's allowed just one run across 10 appearances. Estevez should have some more leash as the Royals' closer, but Erceg would be next in line if manager Matt Quatraro decides to make a change.