Long signed with NPB's Chiba Lotte on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

Long is a 30-year-old right-handed reliever who has played with three teams over five big-league seasons. He was solid in his first year in Kansas City in 2024, posting a 3.16 ERA and 1.20 WHIP along with a 44:17 K:BB over 42.2 innings, but Long struggled to a 5.36 ERA, 1.74 WHIP and 33:22 across 40.1 frames last season. He wasn't likely to get more than a minor-league deal in MLB free agency and has instead opted to try to put things back together overseas.

Long elected to become a free agent Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The Royals booted Long off their 40-man roster and he has decided to test out free agency rather than accepting an outright assignment to the minors. Long pitched well for Kansas City in 2024 but struggled in 2025, posting a 5.36 ERA and 33:22 K:BB over 40.1 innings.

The Royals activated Long (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Long has been sidelined since mid-April with left elbow inflammation but has been cleared to return after making 12 rehab appearances. The southpaw held a 12.86 ERA before going on the IL and a 9.90 ERA on his rehab assignment, so Long will likely be used in low-leverage spots initially.

Long (elbow) is expected to be activated this week against Texas or San Diego, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Long was placed on the injured list April 13 with left elbow inflammation and has been rehabbing in the minor leagues since May 20. After opening his rehab assignment in the Arizona Complex League, the left-hander was transferred to Triple-A Omaha, where he's struggled to an 11.25 ERA and 2.50 WHIP across eight innings. He also posted a rough 12.86 ERA and 2.43 WHIP in his first seven outings with Kansas City. With Long's rehab window nearly expired -- and no minor-league options remaining -- the 29-year-old is at a crossroads within the organization.

The Royals are expected to transfer Long's rehab assignment from the rookie-level Arizona Complex League to Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

EDGE Analysis

Long has been on the injured list since April 13 due to left elbow inflammation but made his return to game action with the Royals' ACL affiliate Tuesday, when he struck out a batter and allowed one run on two hits and no walks. The southpaw will face a stiffer challenge as he shifts his rehab to the Triple-A level, where he'll likely make at least a handful of appearances before the Royals activate him. Once he's reinstated, Long is likely to fill a low-leverage role out of the Kansas City bullpen.

Long is expected to begin a rehab assignment with the Royals' Arizona Complex League team Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Long has missed over a month of action while dealing with left elbow inflammation, but he's now set to return to the mound officially. The reliever struggled to a 12.86 ERA and 2.43 WHIP with six strikeouts over seven innings in seven appearances with Kansas City this year, and once healthy, he'll likely return to a low-leverage role in the bullpen.

Long (elbow) threw a bullpen session on May 8 at 85% intensity and has another bullpen session scheduled for May 11, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Long had imaging on his elbow April 14 which showed inflammation and no structural damage. He'll likely need to throw a few bullpen sessions at full strength before going out on a rehanb assignment.

Long (elbow) has thrown each of the past two days, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Long had imaging on his elbow April 14 which showed inflammation and no structural damage. While he's started throwing, it's not clear when he may begin a rehab assignment. The elbow issue may have contributed to the left-hander's struggles this season, as he's turned in a 12.86 ERA and 2.43 WHIP across seven appearances.

Long (elbow) is expected to resume playing catch this weekend, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After Long was placed on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to left elbow inflammation, doctors advised him not to throw for five days while he waited for the swelling to subside. Assuming Long is cleared to start throwing again after the five-day shutdown, he likely won't require a lengthy ramp-up period, given that the Royals plan to deploy him as a 1-to-2-inning reliever once he's activated.

The Royals placed Long on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to left elbow inflammation.

EDGE Analysis

Long's move to the IL comes after he gave up three earned runs on two hits and two walks over one inning in relief in Saturday's 6-3 loss to the Guardians. The elbow issue may have contributed to the left-hander's struggles this season, as he's turned in a 12.86 ERA and 2.43 WHIP across seven appearances. Kansas City called up southpaw Evan Sisk from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move.