Kolek (5-7) took the loss Wednesday against the Angels, allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits and three walks in six innings. He struck out two.

EDGE Analysis

Kolek submitted his sixth straight quality start and his ninth of the season through 19 outings. Although it may not have been enough to push the Royals into the postseason, the right-hander kicked things into a higher gear since landing in Kansas City, producing a 1.91 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and 21:5 K:BB across 33 innings. Kolek's surge to finish the campaign gives him a strong case for a rotation spot in 2026, and he may have worked his way into the club's long-term plans heading into the offseason.

Kolek (5-6) took the loss Thursday against the Mariners, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits and one walk while striking out eight over 7.1 innings.

EDGE Analysis

Kolek was nearly flawless outside of the fourth inning, when he gave up the only two hits he allowed all game -- the second being an RBI double to Jorge Polanco that accounted for the lone earned run against him. Despite the tough-luck loss, the right-hander has been outstanding since joining Kansas City, posting a 1.67 ERA and an 18:3 K:BB across 27 innings while going at least six frames and yielding no more than two runs in each of his four starts. Even so, the 28-year-old has managed to secure just one win in that stretch. Kolek is slated for a tougher assignment in his next outing against the Dodgers, who rank near the top of MLB in most offensive categories this September.

Kolek is slated to start Thursday's game versus the Mariners in Kansas City, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kolek is getting another start to fill in for Seth Lugo, who had a setback with his back injury Monday. Kolek heads into his start Thursday riding four straight quality starts in the majors that stem back to July 27 when he was on the Padres. In the righty's three starts with the Royals, he's allowed four earned runs on 13 hits with an 11:2 K:BB across 19.2 innings pitched.

Kolek didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Guardians, allowing one run on three hits and no walks in 6.2 innings. He struck out four.

EDGE Analysis

Kolek's Royals career is off to a promising start, as he's now fired at least six innings while conceding two runs or fewer in each of his first three starts for his new team. The three hits allowed matched a season low, and he's riding a streak of seven consecutive outings of at least five frames dating back to his time with San Diego. Kolek is next scheduled to take the mound for a key matchup against the Mariners. Through 99.1 innings, the right-hander owns a 3.71 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 67:28 K:BB.

Kolek is slated to start Thursday's game against the Guardians at Progressive Field.

EDGE Analysis

With Seth Lugo (back) recently joining Cole Ragans (shoulder) on the injured list, Kolek will stick around with the Royals to make a second turn through the rotation following his call-up from Triple-A Omaha last Thursday. During his start in this past Saturday's 11-2 win over the Twins, Kolek went seven strong innings and struck four batters while permitting two earned runs on six hits and one walk. He now maintains a respectable 3.88 ERA over 92.2 innings between San Diego and Kansas City, though it's supported by a weak 9.3 K-BB%.

Kolek (5-5) earned the win against the Twins on Saturday, allowing two runs on six hits and one walk with four strikeouts over seven innings.

EDGE Analysis

Kolek was spotted an early lead and ran with it, throwing 64 of 95 pitches for strikes while limiting the Twins to just two extra-base hits in his longest outing since a complete game shutout May 10. The 28-year-old has delivered quality starts in both of his appearances with the Royals and now owns a 3.88 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 63:27 K:BB across 92.2 innings this season. He's slated to face the Guardians on the road next week.

The Royals recalled Kolek from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

The 28-year-old pitched six innings of one-run ball during his Royals debut last Saturday, and he'll now return to Kansas City to replace the injured Seth Lugo (back). Kolek is penciled in to make his next start Saturday against a Twins offense that has posted a .727 OPS over its last 15 games despite going just 4-11 in that span.

The Royals optioned Kolek to Triple-A Omaha on Sunday.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander was called up for a spot start Saturday and allowed just one run over six innings in a no-decision against Detroit, but he won't stick on the big-league roster with Michael Wacha returning from the paternity list Sunday. Kolek could rejoin the big club down the stretch, but he may have a difficult time finding a spot in the Kansas City rotation while all of Wacha, Seth Lugo, Michael Lorenzen, Noah Cameron and Ryan Bergert are available.

Kolek allowed one run on four hits and no walks while striking out three batters over six innings in a no-decision against Detroit on Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Kolek got an opportunity to start Saturday after the Royals decided to give Noah Cameron some extra rest between starts, and with Michael Wacha on paternity leave. Kolek made the most of the opportunity, limiting the Tigers to a lone fourth-inning run while needing just 71 pitches to complete six frames. Though the right-hander made a strong impression in his debut with Kansas City, it's unclear if there's room for him to get another turn in the rotation with five healthy starters in front of him.

Kolek is the starting pitcher for Saturday's game against the Tigers, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.

EDGE Analysis

Kolek was recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Friday in a corresponding move to Michael Wacha's placement on the paternity list, and his immediate role with the Royals is now known. Kolek will make a spot start Saturday to give Noah Cameron some additional rest. Wacha is slated to start Sunday's contest, so Kolek will likely be returned to Omaha following his start. Kolek hasn't pitched for the Royals since being acquired via trade near the deadline, and he's logged a 6.63 ERA in 19 innings spanning five starts with Omaha.