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Scouting Report
Updated May 19, 2026
Stephen Kolek was activated from the 15-day injured list on May 5, 2026, after suffering a Grade 1 left oblique strain during spring training. He made his 2026 debut against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday, May 6, earning a win (1-0) with a quality start: 6 innings, 3 runs (1 earned), 4 hits, 0 walks, 3 strikeouts on 83 pitches. He was recalled to the rotation after Noah Cameron was scratched due to lower back tightness. Kolek was subsequently recalled again on May 12 to fill in for Cole Ragans (elbow) on the IL, with a two-start week lined up. Kolek has a strong track record from 2025 with the Royals, posting a 1.91 ERA and 0.76 WHIP over 5 starts (33 innings), with a 51.7% ground-ball rate and 6.1% barrel rate.
Strengths
- + Successful 2026 debut with quality start and win against Guardians
- + Strong 2025 performance with Royals (1.91 ERA, 0.76 WHIP in 5 starts)
- + Excellent ground-ball inducer (51.7% GB rate in 2025, 56.4% in 2024)
- + Low barrel rate (6.1% in 2025) indicates ability to generate weak contact
- + Completed four successful rehab starts at Triple-A before activation
- + Effective pitch mix with six different pitches
- + Cleared from oblique injury and activated to full roster
- + Recalled to fill rotation spot, indicating team confidence
About
Stephen Kolek is a sp for the Kansas City Royals.
Player Overview
SP
Kansas City Royals
Recent News
Kansas City Royals news: Will this weekend get Salvy going?
May 18, 2026
Game Discussion for St. Louis Cardinals vs Kansas City Royals Sunday
May 17, 2026
Stephen Kolek gem gets Royals back in the win column 2-0
May 17, 2026
Stephen Kolek kept the Cardinals scoreless for 6 1/3 innings to win Sunday.
May 17, 2026
Stephen Kolek surrendered five runs in 4 2/3 innings Tuesday in a no-decision against the White Sox.
May 12, 2026