Player News
-
Long signed with NPB's Chiba Lotte on Sunday. 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. 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. 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. 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.
-
Long is expected to begin a rehab assignment with the Royals' Arizona Complex League team Tuesday. 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.
Recent Tweets
Stats
| Year | Team | APP | GS | INN | W | L | S | K | BBI | HA | ERA | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | KC | 39 | 0 | 40.3 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 33 | 22 | 48 | 5.35 | 1.73 |
| 2024 | KC | 43 | 0 | 42.7 | 3 | 3 | 1 | 44 | 17 | 34 | 3.16 | 1.19 |
Last 7 Games
| DATE | Opp | W | L | S | INN | HA | ERA | BBI | K | WHIP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/28 | @  |
- | - | - | 1.0 | 2 | 5.40 | 1 | 0 | 3.00 |
| 9/23 | @  |
- | - | - | 1.0 | 2 | 2.25 | 1 | 0 | 3.00 |
| 9/16 | vs  |
- | - | - | 1.0 | 1 | 0.00 | 1 | 0 | 2.00 |
| 9/13 | @  |
- | - | - | 0.2 | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | 0 | 0.00 |
| 9/12 | @ |
- | - | - | 1.0 | 2 | 0.00 | 0 | 2 | 2.00 |
| 9/10 | @  |
- | - | - | 0.1 | 1 | 0.00 | 1 | 0 | 6.00 |
| 9/07 | vs  |
- | - | - | 1.0 | 0 | 0.00 | 0 | 2 | 0.00 |
Upcoming Games
| date | Opp | time | Scheduled Starter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3/26 | @  |
12:00 AM | Not Announced Yet |
| 3/28 | @ |
12:00 AM | Not Announced Yet |
| 3/29 | @ |
12:00 AM | Not Announced Yet |
| 3/30 | vs |
4:10 PM | Not Announced Yet |
| 4/01 | vs |
7:40 PM | Not Announced Yet |
| 4/02 | vs |
7:40 PM | Not Announced Yet |
| 4/03 | vs  |
7:40 PM | Not Announced Yet |