Scouting Report: Estiven Machado

Summary

Carlos Estévez, Kansas City Royals closer and 2025 saves leader, has endured a nightmare 2026 season marked by multiple injuries. After suffering a left foot contusion from a Michael Harris II comebacker on Opening Day, he was sidelined for over a month. Upon beginning a Triple-A rehab assignment in early May, he experienced shoulder discomfort after just two outs and was diagnosed with a right rotator cuff strain. He will be shut down from throwing for three weeks with reevaluation at end of May. Even before the shoulder injury, Estévez showed concerning velocity issues throughout spring training and the World Baseball Classic, averaging 89.4 mph on his fastball—nearly 7 mph below his 2025 levels. His rehab appearance showed velocity at 88-90 mph, maxing out at 91.1 mph. The earliest realistic return date is mid-to-late June pending successful progression through bullpen sessions and live batting practice.