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Scouting Report
Updated May 19, 2026
Carlos Estévez, Kansas City Royals closer, has suffered a nightmare 2026 season marked by multiple setbacks. He was initially sidelined with a left foot contusion after being struck by a Michael Harris II comebacker on Opening Day. Upon beginning a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha, he reported shoulder discomfort after just 14 pitches and two outs, leading to a diagnosis of rotator cuff strain. He will be shut down from throwing for three weeks and reevaluated at the end of May. Most concerning is that his velocity has remained significantly depressed throughout spring training and into the season, averaging 88-90 mph compared to his 2025 baseline of 95.9 mph. Even during his successful 2025 season when he led MLB in saves and earned All-Star honors, early velocity concerns and control issues have plagued his 2026 campaign. A mid-to-late June return is the earliest realistic timeline.
Strengths
- + 2025 All-Star selection and save leader
- + 15 years of experience in MLB
- + History of slow spring training ramps
- + Manager and coaching staff confidence in his ability to recover
Weaknesses
- - Rotator cuff strain requiring 3-week throwing shutdown
- - Persistent velocity decline (7+ mph below 2025 levels)
- - Left foot contusion from Opening Day comebacker
- - Control issues and blown save in season debut
- - Shoulder discomfort during rehab assignment
- - Age 33 with compounding injury concerns
- - Velocity still down (88-90 mph) even after rehab work
- - Candidate for 60-day IL move
- - Multiple setbacks in single season
Injury Status: IL-15
About
Carlos Perez is a catcher for the Chicago Cubs.
Player Overview
C
Chicago Cubs