Lucas Erceg
YEARTEAMGGSCGSHOWLSIPHitsERSOBBHRERA
2024Cougars1400001026.2211152933.71
2025Cougars60000006.2312811.35
MLB Player Data
DateNewsComment
Jun 11 2025The Royals activated Erceg (back) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Erceg has been shelved since late May with a lower-back strain but is ready to go after making one scoreless rehab appearance. He will slide back into a setup role for Kansas City.
Jun 10 2025Manager Matt Quatraro said Tuesday that Erceg (back) is expected to return from the injured list Wednesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: A lower-back strain forced Erceg onto the injured list at the end of May, but after firing a shutout inning in a rehab game Sunday, the 30-year-old righty appears to be trending toward a minimum-length stay. Once healthy, he figures to slide right back into his usual role as Kansas City's primary setup man.
Jun 7 2025Erceg (back) threw live batting practice Friday and is set to begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha on Sunday, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Erceg was placed on the injured list May 30, retroactive to May 27, making him eligible to return June 12 against the Yankees. Prior to hitting the shelf, the 30-year-old was in the midst of a strong season, recording a 1.96 ERA and 0.74 WHIP with 13 holds over 23 innings. Barring any setbacks during his rehab assignment, the right-hander should return to his setup role with the Royals in the near future.
May 30 2025Erceg was placed on the 15-day injured list Friday with a lower-back strain. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The most recent news was that Erceg was unavailable due to illness, but this back issue is likely the main reason he hasn't pitched since May 24. His IL placement is retroactive to May 27, so he could return June 12 against the Yankees if he misses the minimum amount of time.
May 28 2025Erceg was unavailable for Wednesday's game against the Reds due to an illness, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Erceg's illness helps explain why he hasn't pitched since Saturday, especially since the Royals led by only two runs entering the eighth inning of Wednesday's contest but turned to John Schreiber rather than Erceg. The 30-year-old righty will have an extra day to recover during Kansas City's day off Thursday and could be back in action for the start of the weekend series against Detroit.
May 23 2025Erceg (1-1) took the loss in Friday's 3-1 loss to Minnesota after allowing two runs on two hits in the ninth inning. He struck out one. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Although it was not a save situation in a tie game, Erceg gave up a pair of runs -- on a two-run walk-off homer by Ty France -- in his second straight outing. Because he had surrendered a lone run across his first 21 outings of the campaign, the hard-throwing right-hander still has a strong 2.05 ERA, 0.73 WHIP and 17:3 K:BB through 23 appearances on the season despite his past two performances. Erceg entered Friday with an MLB-high 13 holds, and he should remain one of Kansas City's top setup men behind closer Carlos Estevez.
Apr 18 2025X-rays on Erceg's left foot came back negative after his removal from Friday's game against Detroit. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Erceg wasn't able to walk off the field by himself after getting hit by a 109-mph comebacker in the seventh inning of Friday's contest, but it seems he escaped the incident with only a bruise. He can be considered day-to-day, though the Royals may stay away from using him out of the bullpen until his foot has time to recover.
Apr 6 2025Erceg threw a perfect inning while striking out two Sunday against Baltimore to record his third hold of the season. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Erceg has had a strong start to the season with 4.1 scoreless innings with a 3:0 K:BB ratio. He's been working as the primary setup man to Carlos Estevez, though he could also get the occasional save chance.
Feb 27 2025They Royals plan to use Erceg in the highest leverage spots in 2025, whether that be the ninth for a save opportunity or in the seventh inning, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports. Erceg gave up a run with two hits and two strikeouts in one inning during his spring debut Wednesday and reached 98.1 mph with his fastball. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Erceg racked up 11 of Kansas City's 15 saves last season after the team acquired him from Oakland in July and didn't have much competition for the closer role prior to the signing of Carlos Estevez. It appears Erceg will operate as more of a late-inning fireman that receives some save opportunities while Estevez is likely to work the ninth inning with a bit more consistency.
Sep 26 2024Erceg earned the save in Thursday's 7-4 win over the Nationals, striking out one in a perfect ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Erceg's now converted his last six save opportunities, allowing just one earned run while striking out 13 over 10.2 innings in that span. The 29-year-old right-hander's ERA is down to 3.36 with a 1.05 WHIP and 72:16 K:BB across 61.2 innings between the A's and Royals this season.
Sep 25 2024Erceg struck out one in a perfect ninth inning to earn the save in Wednesday's 3-0 win over the Nationals. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Erceg was summoned for the second straight game and locked down his 13th save on just 12 pitches. According to Anne Rogers of MLB.com, the 29-year-old secured the Royals' franchise-record 26th consecutive scoreless inning. He has converted all five of his September save attempts and owns a 3.41 ERA, 1.07 WHIP and 71:16 K:BB across 60.2 innings this season.
Sep 24 2024Erceg picked up the save Tuesday against the Nationals, pitching a clean inning with two strikeouts. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The Kansas City right-hander made quick work of Washington in the bottom of the tenth inning, firing nine strikes out of his 12 total pitches. Since joining the Royals on July 31, Erceg has been a stalwart, collecting nine saves while pitching to a 3.13 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 29:3 K:BB across 23 innings. Overall, he now sports a 3.47 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 70:16 K:BB with 12 saves over 59.2 total innings this season.
Sep 18 2024Erceg (2-6) allowed two runs (one earned) on three hits and a walk while striking out two over 1.2 innings, taking the extra-inning loss versus the Tigers on Tuesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Erceg's six-inning scoreless streak came to an end as he faltered in the 10th inning after he kept the game tied in the ninth. He also ended August in rough form, but he's generally brought some stability to the Royals' bullpen since they acquired him from the Athletics. For the year, Erceg is at a 3.53 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 68:16 K:BB while earning 11 saves, 18 holds and five blown saves over 58.2 innings.
Sep 8 2024Erceg allowed a hit and struck out one in a scoreless inning while earning a save against the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Erceg worked around a leadoff single by Christian Vazquez to close out the 2-0 win. After blowing two straight save chances and allowing seven runs over three appearances, Erceg has now converted three consecutive saves. He's now 11 for 16 in save opportunities with a 3.67 ERA over 54 innings. Of those 11 saves, eight have come since his Royals debut July 31.
Sep 7 2024Erceg struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the save in Saturday's 4-2 win over the Twins. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Erceg was able to protect the two-run lead the Royals established in the eighth inning. It's his second clean outing in a row after struggle in three straight appearances from Aug. 28 to Sept. 3, which included one outing cut short when he was hit on the hand by a batted ball. He's up to 10 saves -- including seven as a Royal -- while posting a 3.74 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 61:15 K:BB through 53 innings between Kansas City and Oakland this year.
Sep 4 2024Erceg picked up a save against the Guardians on Wednesday, striking out one batter in a perfect ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Erceg had a rough outing Tuesday, giving up three runs over two-thirds of an inning. Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro went right back to the right-hander in a save situation one day later, and Erceg responded by retiring the side in order on 15 pitches. That bodes well for his chance of continuing as Kansas City's closer despite entering Wednesday amidst a rough stretch during which he went 0-2 with two blown saves while giving up seven runs across two innings over three appearances.
Sep 3 2024Erceg (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. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Aug 30 2024Erceg (hand) is dealing with soreness and swelling but is considered day-to-day, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Aug 29 2024Erceg exited Thursday's game against Houston after fielding a comebacker with his bare hand, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Aug 28 2024Erceg (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. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Aug 27 2024Erceg 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. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Aug 24 2024Erceg 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. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Aug 22 2024Erceg picked up the save over the Angels on Wednesday, striking out two over a perfect ninth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Aug 14 2024Erceg 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. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Aug 10 2024Erceg earned a save against the Cardinals on Saturday, allowing two hits and striking out two batters over 1.1 scoreless innings. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Jul 30 2024The Royals acquired Erceg from the Athletics on Tuesday in exchange for Mason Barnett, Will Klein and Jared Dickey, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: 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.
Jul 26 2024Erceg allowed a hit and struck out one over a scoreless inning to earn the save in Friday's 5-4 win over the Angels. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Erceg was deployed in the eighth inning Thursday to protect a one-run lead, but he was called on to close things out Friday in a similar situation. With Mason Miller sidelined by a fractured finger on his non-throwing hand, Erceg is expected to be the favorite for saves for the Athletics in the short term, though Tyler Ferguson received the first chance in Miller's absence. Erceg has been a fine setup man this year with a 3.68 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 41:13 K:BB to go with three saves, 12 holds and three blown saves over 36.2 innings. He's kept runs off the board in 12 of his last 13 appearances, the exception being a four-run meltdown last Sunday against the Angels.
Jul 22 2024Erceg (2-3) took the loss against the Angels on Sunday, allowing four earned runs on two hits, a walk, a hit batsman and a wild pitch without retiring a batter. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Erceg was handed a 5-2 lead when he entered in the eighth inning, but the reliever allowed all four batters he faced to reach base before Scott Alexander subsequently allowed all the runners he inherited from Erceg to score. The normally reliable right-hander saw a nine-appearance scoreless streak (8.2 innings) snapped by the disastrous appearance, while his ERA shot up from 2.94 to 4.01.
Jul 11 2024Erceg was credited with his 11th hold in a win over the Red Sox on Wednesday, firing 1.1 scoreless innings during which he allowed a hit and a walk while recording a strikeout. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Erceg filled his usual setup role with customary proficiency, generating his eighth straight scoreless appearance. The right-hander coaxed his ERA back under 3.00 (2.97) for the first time since May 25 with Wednesday's outing, and his season tally of 11 holds equals the total he mustered during his rookie 2023 campaign, albeit over 17 additional appearances.
Jun 12 2024The Athletics activated Erceg (forearm) from the 15-day injured list Wednesday. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Erceg spent the minimum amount of time on the IL and was able to skip a rehab assignment prior to being activated. He's been terrific in relief for Oakland this season, collecting a 2.86 ERA and 27:8 K:BB across 22 innings as the primary setup man ahead of closer Mason Miller.
Jun 10 2024Erceg (forearm) threw a successful bullpen session Sunday and is in line to be activated during the Athletics' road trip that begins Monday, MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Erceg came out of his 20-pitch session feeling healthy, his second bullpen in a span of four days. With the right-hander eligible to come off the injured list Wednesday, it's possible he's activated that same day, if not soon thereafter.
Jun 8 2024Erceg (forearm) threw a 20-pitch bullpen session Thursday and could complete another one Sunday, the Associated Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The right-hander has had a productive last few days on the recovery front, as he began playing catch at the beginning of the week and now has a bullpen session under his belt. Erceg is expected to be evaluated after Sunday's activity, when a determination is likely to be made on whether he'll require a brief rehab assignment before activation.
Jun 5 2024Erceg (forearm) has begun playing catch and could throw a bullpen session as early as Sunday, the Associated Press reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: The talented setup man just went on the IL on Friday with a retroactive designation to May 26, and Erceg may possibly be tracking toward an on-time return if this latest news is any indication. Assuming the bullpen session unfolds on schedule and without setbacks, Erceg could potentially be activated Monday, the first day he'd be eligible.
May 31 2024The Athletics announced Friday that Erceg (forearm) was placed on the 15-day injured list retroactive to May 26. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Erceg hasn't pitched since May 25 due to forearm tightness and will officially be sidelined until at least June 10. Prior to the injury, Erceg had operated as Mason Miller's setup man, a role that Austin Adams or Scott Alexander could fill until Erceg returns.
May 30 2024Manager Mark Kotsay said Thursday that Erceg will be placed on the 15-day injured list due to forearm tightness, Brian Murphy of MLB.com reports. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: With a 2.86 ERA and 1.00 WHIP through 22 innings, Erceg has emerged as a quality setup man for closer Mason Miller this season. However, a forearm injury will keep him on the shelf until at least mid-June. Austin Adams, who has also been effective so far this season, is the likely choice to take on the role of Oakland's main setup man while Erceg is sidelined.
May 22 2024Erceg (2-2) got the win against the Rockies on Tuesday, firing a perfect eighth inning. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Erceg's blink-and-you-missed-it frame was done in a tidy 11 pitches, seven of which he located for strikes. The 29-year-old right-hander has had a couple of hiccups along the way, but he sports a pair of saves and seven holds alongside his two wins. Erceg, who's now averaging 98.6 mph on his fastball this season, has the stuff to form a gnarly 1-2 punch with dominant closer Mason Miller in the late innings, and he lowered his ERA and WHIP to 3.32 and 1.05, respectively, with what was his third scoreless effort in the last four appearances.
May 3 2024Erceg picked up the save Friday against Miami. He pitched a 1.1 innings with three strikeouts, allowing one run on two hits and no walks. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: In a semi-surprising development, Oakland manager Mark Kotsay allowed Erceg to collect the save Friday night instead of Mason Miller. However, Miller pitched back-to-back nights on Tuesday and Wednesday and may have required additional rest. In earning his second save, Erceg has shown to be the next reliever in line for the Athletics closer role.
Apr 28 2024Erceg tossed one perfect inning, striking out two to earn the save during Sunday's 7-6 win over the Orioles. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Erceg was called upon to close the door for his first career save after the A's commandeered the lead in the top of the ninth. Oakland's regular closer, Mason Miller, has been a revelation in end-game situations but was rested for a second game in a row, affording the rare save opportunity for Erceg.
Apr 23 2024Erceg (1-1) earned the win against the Yankees on Monday, firing two scoreless innings during which he allowed a walk and recorded a strikeout. ROTOWIRE RECOMMENDS: Erceg took the baton from starter JP Sears, who stymied his former Yankees squad over six shutout, three-hit innings. Erceg didn't miss a beat, locating 17 of his 26 pitches for strikes and serving as a bridge to a rare save opportunity for Mason Miller in the ninth inning. The right-hander now has five consecutive scoreless appearances, a span during which he's fired six scoreless frames while recording six strikeouts.