The Kansas City Royals made a roster move on Friday, June 26, 2026, recalling right-handed pitcher Mitch Spence from Triple-A Omaha.
The adjustment came before their series opener against the Chicago White Sox.
>>> Buffalo Sabres Select Center Ilia Morozov with 20th Overall Pick in 2026 NHL Draft
Starter Stephen Kolek was placed on the paternity list after leaving the team Thursday for the birth of his first child, according to Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City.
Major league rules allow Kolek to remain on the list for one to three days.
To cover the temporary vacancy, the Royals opted for a bullpen strategy.
Relief pitcher Steven Cruz was named the opener for Friday's game, with Spence expected to handle the bulk of the innings behind him.
Spence has made two major league appearances for Kansas City this season, allowing 12 runs on 11 hits and six walks over eight innings.
He gave up six runs in four innings against the Nationals in April and another six runs in a start versus the Yankees, per NBC Sports.
>>> Pirates Defeat Mariners 5-1 to Clinch Home Series Win
Before his call-up, Spence worked as a starter for Triple-A Omaha, posting a 6.66 ERA over 48 2/3 innings.
He also has prior MLB experience with the Athletics from 2024 to 2025.
Kolek holds a 4-2 record with a 4.15 ERA over 52 innings this season for Kansas City, as reported by KCTV5.
Despite allowing nine runs in 1 2/3 innings in his last outing against the St. Louis Cardinals, he had been a reliable arm for the injury-depleted rotation.
The Royals expect Kolek to return during the weekend or for his next scheduled start. Kansas City enters the series against Chicago 14 games under .
>>> Roughriders Defense Ready to Capitalize on Chad Kelly's Aggressive Passing
500.
