Erceg (hand) allowed three runs on two hits and struck out two over two-thirds of an inning during Tuesday's 7-1 loss to the Guardians.

EDGE Analysis

Erceg loaded the bases with two singles and a hit batsman in the top of the eighth inning. James McArthur then walked in one run and gave up a two-run single to Steven Kwan, with all three runs on Erceg's line. Erceg has been charged with seven runs across two innings over his last three appearances, a disappointing turn of events after his 15.1-inning scoreless streak from July 22 to Aug. 26. Overall, he has a 3.88 ERA, 1.14 WHIP and 59:15 K:BB over 51 innings while logging eight saves and 18 holds between the Royals and the Athletics this year. Prior to his hand issue, Erceg had been operating as the Royals' closer, but if his performance continues to be poor, the job could be once again up for grabs.

Erceg (hand) is dealing with soreness and swelling but is considered day-to-day, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.

EDGE Analysis

Erceg injured his throwing hand trying to field a comebacker during Thursday's game against the Astros and was removed from the contest. While the issue doesn't seem to be anything long-term, it could open up save opportunities for James McArthur, Sam Long or John Schreiber in the coming days.

Erceg exited Thursday's game against Houston after fielding a comebacker with his bare hand, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.

EDGE Analysis

Erceg was attempting to field a groundball for a potential double play, but he was unable to catch the ball cleanly and injured his hand. The nature and severity of the issue are unclear, though his potential absence would reopen the closer role in Kansas City.

Erceg (2-4) took the loss and a blown save Wednesday against Cleveland, allowing one earned run on three hits while striking out one in a single inning.

EDGE Analysis

Erceg was called upon to protect a two-run lead in the seventh with zero out and two runners on base. Erceg allowed three RBI-singles in the inning, resulting in a blown save and eventual loss. The 29-year-old had not allowed an earned run since July 21 before Wednesday's appearance, snapping a 15-inning scoreless streak during which he notched six saves and seven holds with an elite 18:1 K:BB. Erceg's dominance over that stretch has granted him ample breathing room as the Royals closer, even after Wednesday's lackluster appearance.

Erceg recorded his eighth save of the season in the first game of Monday's doubleheader sweep of the Guardians, walking one batter in a scoreless ninth inning.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander got only seven of his 14 pitches over the plate, and Erceg got some help from his defense when Maikel Garcia made a leaping grab on a one-out David Fry liner that might have brought home the tying run. Erceg has converted all five of his save chances since joining the Royals, and he hasn't walked a batter since July 21, going 14.1 innings between free passes with a 0.00 ERA, 0.42 WHIP and 18 strikeouts.

Erceg gave up a hit and struck out one in a scoreless ninth inning Friday to record his seventh save of the season in a 7-4 win over the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

The 29-year-old has staked a strong claim to the closer job in Kansas City, securing four of the team's last five saves and posting a 0.00 ERA, 0.44 WHIP and 15:0 K:BB through 11.1 innings since being acquired by the Royals at the trade deadline. James McArthur has turned things around in August with a 1.08 ERA, 1.08 WHIP and 8:1 K:BB in 8.1 frames, but looking more comfortable in a lower-leverage role isn't going to get him back in the ninth-inning mix unless Erceg stumbles.

Erceg picked up the save over the Angels on Wednesday, striking out two over a perfect ninth inning.

EDGE Analysis

Erceg again looked the part after assuming close duties with a three-run lead in the ninth Wednesday, striking out the first two batters he faced before getting Jo Adell to line out to end the game. The right-hander has converted each of his three save opportunities with Kansas City and has yet to allow any runs since being acquired by his new club at the end of July. Over his nine outings (10.1 innings) with the Royals, Erceg has posted a 14:0 K:BB, recording double-digit strikeouts in five separate appearances in that span.

Erceg did not allow a baserunner in 1.1 innings to earn his fifth save of the season Wednesday against the Twins. He did not record a strikeout.

EDGE Analysis

Erceg was called upon with two runners on and two out in the eighth inning. The 29-year-old promptly induced a groundout to end the threat before pitching a flawless ninth inning to record his second save as a member of the Royals. Erceg has been dominant since coming over from the Athletics at the trade deadline, allowing just three hits over 7.2 scoreless innings with a flawless 8:0 K:BB. Erceg has handled the last two save opportunities and appears to be the closer moving forward with Hunter Harvey (back) on the shelf and James McArthur owning a 5.01 ERA on the season.

Erceg earned a save against the Cardinals on Saturday, allowing two hits and striking out two batters over 1.1 scoreless innings.

EDGE Analysis

Erceg entered in a tight situation with a three-run lead and two outs in the top of the eighth frame, as the Cardinals had two runners on base and Paul Goldschmidt -- who homered earlier in the contest -- at the plate. The righty reliever fanned Goldschmidt to end the frame, then remained in the contest after the Royals put up two runs in the bottom of the inning. Erceg allowed back-to-back singles to begin the ninth but retired the next three batters to secure his first save since joining Kansas City at the trade deadline. He's been lights out since becoming a Royal, recording 6.1 scoreless frames during which he's posted an 8:0 K:BB. James McArthur has been struggling and Hunter Harvey (back) landed on the injured list Saturday, so Erceg appears to be the team's reliever most likely to see save opportunities, at least for the time being.

The Royals acquired Erceg from the Athletics on Tuesday in exchange for Mason Barnett, Will Klein and Jared Dickey, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Erceg hasn't even reached arbitration eligibility yet, but the Athletics have decided to take advantage of the prices being paid in the relief market. The 29-year-old former position player has posted a 3.68 ERA and 41:13 K:BB across 36.2 innings out of Oakland's bullpen in 2024, collecting three saves along the way. Erceg could get a shot to close in Kansas City, especially due to James McArthur's recent struggles.