Sam Long
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MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 20 2025The Royals activated Long (elbow) from the 15-day injured list Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Jun 18 2025Long (elbow) is expected to be activated this week against Texas or San Diego, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
May 22 2025The Royals are expected to transfer Long's rehab assignment from the rookie-level Arizona Complex League to Triple-A Omaha on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
May 19 2025Long is expected to begin a rehab assignment with the Royals' Arizona Complex League team Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
May 9 2025Long (elbow) threw a bullpen session on May 8 at 85% intensity and has another bullpen session scheduled for May 11, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Apr 16 2025Long (elbow) is expected to resume playing catch this weekend, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Apr 13 2025The Royals placed Long on the 15-day injured list Sunday due to left elbow inflammation. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Apr 12 2025Long allowed three runs on two hits and two walks while striking out one over an inning Saturday against the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long has struggled to begin the season as he's given up 12 runs (10 earned) with five walks in seven innings. He was a productive reliever for the Royals last season with a 3.16 ERA and 44:17 K:BB ratio in 42.2 innings so he may get some time to turn his season around. However, he may be limited to low-leverage situations for awhile.
Mar 12 2025Long (hand) is scheduled to make an appearance out of the bullpen in Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Mariners, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long will be making just his third appearance of the spring and his first since March 3, when he was struck in the left hand by a line drive. The southpaw dealt with some residual swelling to his pitching hand as a result, but he was able to resume throwing a few days later. The 29-year-old remains firmly in the mix for a spot in Kansas City's Opening Day bullpen.
Mar 6 2025Long, who was hit by a line drive in his left hand in Monday's outing, threw a bullpen session Thursday despite some swelling, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long had test results that showed he didn't suffer any broken bones after he reached to grab a line drive and it deflected off his pitching hand. It's possible his next appearance this spring gets delayed, however, so he could fall behind for being ready for Opening Day.
Sep 28 2024Long (3-3) allowed a run on one hit and one walk while striking out three over 1.1 innings to take the loss versus Atlanta on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long gave up a walk-off solo home run to Travis d'Arnaud in the ninth inning. September has been a little rough for Long -- he's allowed seven runs over 11.1 innings, though he's still had a good process with an 11:3 K:BB in that span. The southpaw reliever has a 3.16 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 44:17 K:BB through 42.2 innings, making him a decent option for a spot in the Royals' postseason bullpen.
Sep 16 2024Long (3-2) allowed three runs on three hits and struck out one over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss Monday versus the Tigers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long allowed a two-run double to Wenceel Perez in the sixth inning, and John Schreiber allowed an inherited runner to score the decisive run, which stuck Long with the loss. While he's generally been steady this year, Long has faded in September, allowing five runs over seven innings this month. The southpaw is now at a 3.29 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 38:16 K:BB with one save and six holds through 38.1 innings this season.
Aug 27 2024Long (3-1) allowed a hit and a walk while striking out two over 1.1 scoreless innings to earn the win in Game 2 of Monday's doubleheader versus the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Spot starter Alec Marsh was unable to complete five innings, leaving the win to Long after the Royals took the lead in the top of the fifth. Long has allowed two runs with a 6:6 K:BB over 7.1 innings in August, earning a win and two holds. Overall, he has a 2.37 ERA despite a 1.25 WHIP and 33:14 K:BB over 30.1 innings this year, and he's added one save and five holds while mostly seeing low-leverage work.
Jul 31 2024Long struck out two in a perfect ninth inning Tuesday to record his first save of the season in a 4-3 win over the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With James McArthur having coughed up eight runs in his last three appearances and trade-deadline acquisition Lucas Erceg not yet having joined the team, Long got a look in the ninth and carved up Chicago's 6-7-8 hitters. The southpaw has given up only one run in 8.1 July innings with a 9:1 K:BB, and while he's unlikely to see many additional save chances, Long appears to be establishing himself as the top option from the left side in the Kansas City bullpen.
Jun 28 2024Long (2-1) walked one and struck out four over 1.2 scoreless innings to earn the win Thursday over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long worked in the sixth and seventh innings after a strong start from Michael Wacha. The Royals pulled ahead 2-1 in the sixth inning, and Long did his part to keep the score there. The southpaw has been scored on in just three of his 14 appearances this season, pitching to a 1.98 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 15:7 K:BB over 13.2 innings in a low-leverage role. The Royals' bullpen has been a weak spot this year, so it's possible Long could find himself in a more prominent role if he continues to have success.
Jun 6 2024Long (1-1) allowed two walks and struck out one over one scoreless and hitless inning to earn the win Thursday over the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long took a loss in his last outing, but he bounced back to get the win this time around. While he wasn't sharp with the two walks, he was able to keep runs off the board. Long hasn't been charged with an earned run yet, allowing two unearned runs on one hit and three walks with six strikeouts over 6.1 innings this season. He's been pitching in close games recently, but he still sees most of his action in the middle innings, so it's unlikely he gets a look for save chances any time soon.
Jun 5 2024Long (0-1) allowed two unearned runs on one hit and one walk while striking out one over two-thirds of an inning to take the loss Tuesday versus the Guardians. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long put two runners on base before giving way to Angel Zerpa in the seventh inning. A Bobby Witt error would allow three runs to score, including the two on Long's line that sent him to the loss. He still hasn't given up an earned run over 5.1 innings this season, and he's generally pitched well with a 5:1 K:BB in a low-leverage role since he was brought up to the majors May 20. Long has previous experience as a starter, but none of his six big-league appearances this year have exceeded one inning. He went longer than an inning in eight of his 15 outings for Triple-A Omaha prior to his call-up, so he could still be called on to provide length out of the bullpen.
May 20 2024The Royals selected Long's contract from Triple-A Omaha on Monday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long earns a look with the big club after putting up a 1.31 ERA and 23:5 K:BB over 20.2 innings at Omaha. The left-hander holds a career 4.92 ERA over 80 appearances (12 starts) at the major-league level.
Dec 7 2023Kansas City signed Long to a minor-league contract Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long was outrighted off the 40-man roster in Oakland at the end of the 2023 regular season after struggling to a 5.60 ERA and 32:21 K:BB across 45 innings. The 28-year-old left-hander joins the Royals as organizational bullpen depth for the 2024 campaign.
Oct 13 2023Long cleared waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Las Vegas on Thursday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Athletics needed to do some 40-man roster maneuvering and felt Long's spot was better used elsewhere. Long put up a 5.60 ERA and 32:21 K:BB over 45 innings out of Oakland's bullpen this season.
Sep 6 2023Long was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long was knocked around for four runs (three earned) over 1.2 relief innings in Tuesday's loss to the Blue Jays. He'll be replaced by a fresh bullpen arm.
Sep 1 2023Oakland recalled Long from Triple-A Las Vegas on Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long will give the Athletics some extra bullpen depth with rosters expanding from 26 to 28. The 28-year-old left-hander has posted a 5.27 ERA and 32:18 K:BB in 42.2 major-league innings this season.
Aug 12 2023Long was optioned to Triple-A Las Vegas on Saturday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long had been in the big leagues since the Athletics acquired him from the Giants in late April. He's struggled to a 5.27 ERA in 42.2 innings, striking out just 17.3 percent of opposing batters. Francisco Perez was called up to take his place in the bullpen.
Jul 8 2023Long (0-1) took the loss as an opener against the Red Sox on Friday, allowing three earned runs on three hits and a walk over one-plus inning. He struck out two. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long's considerably busy line is the byproduct of two very different frames. The left-hander got through the opening inning unscathed, working around a Justin Turner single. However, Long failed to retire any of the three hitters he faced to open the second inning, leaving the bases loaded for Luis Medina. All three inherited runners eventually came across, saddling Long with his second three-earned-run tally in the last four outings. Despite the occasional hiccup, Long has contributed two saves and two holds along with a serviceable 4.36 ERA across 26 appearances.
Jul 7 2023Long will serve as the Athletics' opener Friday in Boston, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Right-hander Luis Medina is set to handle the bulk of the innings for the A's, but it will be the southpaw Long first out of the chute. Left-handed batters are hitting only .200/.293/.314 off Long this season.
Jun 12 2023Long picked up the save Sunday against the Brewers. He allowed one hit over one-third of a scoreless inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long was thrust into a bases-loaded situation with two outs and four runs of cushion but managed to shut down the Brewers' comeback efforts to claim his second save of the season. Though Long gave up a single to Abraham Toro that plated two runs, he managed to retire his next batter to improve to a perfect 2-for-2 in save opportunities in 2023.
Jun 11 2023Long recorded his first save in Saturday's extra-inning win over the Brewers, firing a perfect 10th inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long breezed through his one frame on 15 pitches, 10 which he threw for strikes. The southpaw and first-year Athletic has mostly been a bright spot for manager Mark Kotsay, and he's now allowed just one run over seven innings covering his last four appearances while also recording a hold in addition to Saturday's save.
Mar 13 2023The Giants optioned Long to Triple-A Sacramento on Monday, Evan Webeck of The San Jose Mercury News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long's demotion comes as little surprise after he was blitzed for seven runs (six earned) on 11 hits and three walks while striking out seven over 5.2 innings across his four appearances in the Cactus League. The southpaw was previously one of the Giants' more interesting pitching prospects when he joined the organization in 2020, but he's struggled to stake a claim to a regular role in the big leagues the past two seasons. It's unclear if the Giants intend to have him continue his development as a starter at Sacramento or make a full-time move to the bullpen.
Feb 15 2023Long (oblique) reported to spring training this week and won't face any restrictions, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long missed the last month-plus of the 2022 season with a right oblique strain. The left-hander was effective as a reliever for the Giants in 2022 with a 3.61 ERA and 1.25 WHIP over 42.1 innings of work, but he also has experience as a starter. The 27-year-old could compete for one of the final spots in the San Francisco rotation during the Cactus League, but his most likely landing spot to begin the 2023 campaign is the bullpen.
Aug 26 2022Long was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento and placed on the 60-day injured list due to a right oblique strain Friday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long was sent to the minors in early August but will be forced to miss the remainder of the 2022 season due to his oblique injury. He had planned to stretch out as a starter following his demotion, so it's not yet clear what role he'll play if he's deemed healthy in time for spring training in 2023.
Aug 3 2022Long was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long has primarily pitched in relief for the Giants this year with 22 of his 28 outings coming out of the bullpen, and he's pitched well overall with a 3.61 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 33:14 K:BB across 42.1 innings. The left-hander will now join Sacramento to get stretched out as a starter after the Giants traded away Matthew Boyd, per Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle.
Jul 22 2022Long (1-3) took the loss Friday versus the Dodgers. He allowed four unearned runs on two hits, a walk and a hit batter while striking out one in one inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long had some control issues, as evidenced by a wild pitch and his plunking of Jake Lamb before serving up a grand slam to Cody Bellinger. While this mess wasn't his alone, it was Long's third time allowing multiple runs in his last five outings. The southpaw has a 2.92 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 26:12 K:BB through 37 innings in 23 appearances (six starts). With Jakob Junis back from the injured list and ready to rejoin the rotation, Long is likely to serve as a multi-inning reliever in the immediate future.
Jul 15 2022Long (1-2) walked one and struck out two in a scoreless inning, earning the win Friday over the Brewers. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long kept the deficit at three runs, and the Giants rallied for six in the bottom of the ninth to make him a winner. Through six appearances in July, the southpaw has given up six runs in nine innings, though two of those were three-run outings and the other four were scoreless. He has a 3.00 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 25:11 K:BB through 36 innings, working as an occasional opener and a multi-inning reliever.
Jul 8 2022Long (0-2) allowed three runs on four hits and struck out two in 2.1 innings, taking the loss Friday versus the Padres. He did not walk a batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long allowed the first three batters he faced to reach base, culminating in a three-run home run by Manny Machado. The Giants were unable to pull even in the contest, leaving Long with the loss for the second time in his six turns as a starter/opener this year. The southpaw owns a 2.48 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 21:8 K:BB across 32.2 innings in 19 appearances overall, though he'll primarily work in long relief in the majors this year.
Jul 6 2022Long earned a save against the Diamondbacks on Wednesday, retiring the only batter he faced via strikeout. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Giants led by three entering the ninth inning, but closer Camilo Doval allowed a run to score and was pulled after letting three straight batters reach base with two outs. Long came in to pitch to Jordan Luplow, and the reliever was able to finish the contest with a three-pitch strikeout for the first save of his career. Doval should remain San Francisco's closer for the time being, though Long has impressed with a 1.78 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 19:8 K:BB in mostly low-leverage work across 30.1 innings on the season.
Jul 3 2022Long allowed a hit and a walk while striking out three over three scoreless innings during Sunday's 13-4 loss to the White Sox. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long covered the most outs of the six pitchers the Giants used Sunday. He allowed a three-run double to Gavin Sheets in the fifth inning after taking over for Sean Hjelle, but Long was otherwise strong in his longest outing since June 15. The southpaw has yet to cover more than three innings in a major-league outing this year, and he threw 31 of 45 pitches for strikes Sunday. Long has a 1.80 ERA, 1.03 WHIP and 18:8 K:BB through 17 appearances (five starts). He could be a candidate to join the Giants' rotation at least until Jakob Junis (hamstring) is activated after Anthony DeSclafani (ankle) was ruled out for the remainder of the season Sunday. Manager Gabe Kapler hasn't officially disclosed the Giants' pitching plans for the next time the fifth starter's spot comes up in the rotation.
Jun 20 2022Long struck out one and allowed an earned run on three hits over 1.2 innings of relief in Sunday's 4-3 loss to the Pirates. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After making a three-inning start Wednesday against the Royals, Long moved to the bullpen and came on in relief of starter Alex Cobb on three days' rest. The Giants' decision to make Long available out of the bullpen suggests that the team anticipates Anthony DeSclafani (ankle) returning from the 60-day injured list during the upcoming week to replace Long as its No. 5 starter.
Jun 15 2022Long allowed two runs (none earned) on three hits while striking out two and walking none Wednesday against the Royals. He did not factor into the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long hasn't been fully stretched out as a starter and was working on three days of rest. Therefore, it wasn't a surprise that he was pulled after just 44 pitches. Long allowed a single and double in the first inning, but would have worked out of the jam if not for an error by Brandon Crawford. Long has served as both a reliever and starter this season, though he has yet to work more than three innings in any of his appearances. He has maintained a 1.69 ERA with a 13:7 K:BB across 21.1 innings on the campaign.
Jun 12 2022Long threw three scoreless innings against the Dodgers on Saturday, allowing three hits while striking out one batter. He didn't factor in the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long was making a spot start in place of Alex Cobb (neck), and he was able to give San Francisco a season-high 48 pitches. The left-hander didn't allow any extra-base hits, limiting Los Angeles to a single in each of his three innings. It's unclear if Long will get another chance to start or if he will return to the bullpen. Of his 12 major-league appearances this season, eight have been as a reliever.
Jun 11 2022Long will start Saturday's game versus the Dodgers, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With Alex Cobb (neck) out, the Giants have elected to give Long a start rather than cobble together another bullpen game. Long will only be on three days' rest after his longest outing of the season Tuesday versus the Rockies (three innings), so it doesn't seem likely he'll qualify for the win. The southpaw has a 2.35 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 10:7 K:BB through 15.1 innings in 11 appearances (three starts) this year.
Jun 7 2022Long was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The 26-year-old was sent to Sacramento on Friday but will rejoin the Giants with Alex Cobb (neck) headed to the injured list. Long has started three games for San Francisco this season but has covered only 12.1 frames in 10 appearances, and he's not fully stretched out as a starter, The team has yet to announce who will fill Cobb's spot in the rotation, but Long is likely to be considered.
Jun 3 2022Long was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Friday, Andrew Baggarly of The Athletic reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: After being recalled Wednesday, Long tossed two scoreless innings, allowing one hit and a walk while striking out a batter Thursday versus the Marlins. He'll now return to Sacramento as Sean Hjelle makes his way to the big leagues.
Jun 1 2022Long was recalled from Triple-A Sacramento on Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long was sent to the minors in early May, and he posted a 4.91 ERA and 1.55 WHIP in 7.1 innings over five relief appearances in Sacramento. He's made nine appearances (three starts) for the Giants this year and should take on a bullpen role during his current stint with the major-league club.
May 6 2022Long was optioned to Triple-A Sacramento on Friday, Maria I. Guardado of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: He had a 3.48 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and eight strikeouts in 10.1 innings through nine appearances. Sean Hjelle was promoted to take a spot in the big-league bullpen.
Apr 26 2022Long will start Wednesday's game against the A's, Alex Pavlovic of NBC Sports Bay Area reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long opened Monday's game in Milwaukee and delivered a scoreless frame, and he'll start again Wednesday versus Oakland. The left-hander should cover an inning or two depending on how he pitches, with Jakob Junis the likely candidate to work behind him in a bulk role.
Apr 25 2022Long allowed one hit and struck out one in one scoreless inning Monday night against Milwaukee. He didn't factor into the decision. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long did his job as the opener, escaping the first inning without any damage after allowing an infield single to Christian Yelich. Long has fared well in the opener role, hurling three scoreless frames in two opportunities. The southpaw has yet to allow a run through 5.2 innings, striking out five and walking one over that stretch.
Apr 24 2022Long will start Monday's game against the Brewers, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long served as an opener in Friday's win over Washington and tossed two scoreless frames. He hasn't yet allowed a run in 4.2 innings this year, and he'll draw the start in Monday's matchup while Carlos Rodon takes the mound Tuesday.
Apr 22 2022Long fired two scoreless innings in Friday's win over Washington. He allowed two hits and struck out one batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Long coughed up two hits in the first inning but escaped the jam without allowing a run. The 6-foot-1 lefty has yet to give up a run this season while posting a 4:1 K:BB through 4.2 frames. He's currently lined up to take the mound at home against Oakland next week where he'll likely go deeper into the contest.
Jun 8 2021Long won't start Wednesday against the Rangers but could work as a bulk reliever, Kerry Crowley of The San Jose Mercury News reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Manager Gabe Kapler already confirmed the 25-year-old will be promoted from Triple-A Sacramento for Wednesday's contest, though it will be reliever Zack Littell who receives the start. Assuming Long pitches, following an opener could be beneficial, as he could be in line for a win without needing to last five innings.