The Royals recalled Kolek from Triple-A Omaha on Friday.
The right-hander was demoted to Omaha on Wednesday but will quickly rejoin the major-league club with Cole Ragans (elbow) landing on the injured list. Kolek made a spot start in place of Noah Cameron (back) earlier this week and could now get a few turns through the rotation with Ragans sidelined. Kolek delivered a quality start in his first MLB appearance of 2026, striking out three and giving up three runs on four hits over six innings while picking up a win versus Cleveland.
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Royals' Stephen Kolek: Moving to Triple-A
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The Royals optioned Kolek to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.
Kolek picked up the win in a spot start Tuesday versus the Guardians, yielding three runs on four hits and no walks with three strikeouts across six innings. With Kolek back in the minors, Noah Cameron (back) seems destined to rejoin the rotation after missing just one start.
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Royals' Stephen Kolek: Collects win in 2026 debut
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Kolek (1-0) picked up the win Tuesday against the Guardians, allowing three runs on four hits and no walks with three strikeouts across six innings.
After straining his oblique during spring training, Kolek made four rehab starts with Triple-A Omaha before he was summoned for his 2026 debut Tuesday in place of the injured Noah Cameron (back). Kolek doesn't have great stuff and generated just two whiffs on 83 pitches against Cleveland, but he throws six pitches with plus command and was able to keep the Guardians at bay. With Cameron tentatively expected to avoid a trip to the injured list, it's unclear if Kolek will remain in Kansas City's rotation.
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Royals' Stephen Kolek: Activated ahead of Tuesday's start
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The Royals activated Kolek (oblique) from the 15-day injured list Tuesday.
Kolek is set to make his season debut for the Royals with a start Tuesday versus the Guardians, slotting in as a replacement for Noah Cameron (back). Out since spring training with an oblique strain, Kolek posted a 2.76 ERA and 14:4 K:BB over 16.1 innings in four rehab starts with Triple-A Omaha. He threw 72 pitches in his final rehab appearance, so he could be limited slightly from a workload perspective Tuesday.
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Royals' Stephen Kolek: Will be activated to start Tuesday
Rotowire
The Royals announced that Kolek (oblique) will be activated from the 15-day injured list to start Tuesday's game against the Guardians.
Kolek completed his fourth rehab appearance at Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday, striking out four batters over 4.1 innings (72 pitches) while yielding three runs (one earned) on eight hits and no walks. Though he initially appeared to be ticketed for a long-relief role upon his return from the IL, Kolek will end up slotting into the rotation Tuesday as a rpelacement for Noah Cameron, who was scratched from his scheduled start due to lower-back tightness. Kolek suffered a Grade 1 left oblique strain during spring training and will be making his first big-league appearance of the 2026 campaign Tuesday.
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Royals' Stephen Kolek: Completes fourth rehab start
Rotowire
Kolek (oblique) allowed three runs (one earned) on eight hits and no walks across 4.1 innings with Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday. He struck out four.
Kolek made his fourth rehab start with Triple-A Omaha as he builds back from a Grade 1 left oblique strain suffered in spring training. The right-hander allowed his highest hit total of the rehab assignment Wednesday, though it also marked his first outing without issuing a walk. Across four starts at Triple-A, the 28-year-old owns a 2.76 ERA and 1.41 WHIP with a 14:4 K:BB in 16.1 innings. Kolek appears to be nearing the end of his rehab assignment and is on track to be activated soon, though he could remain at Triple-A upon activation with no clear opening in the Royals' rotation.
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Royals' Stephen Kolek: Cleared for rehab assignment
Rotowire
Kolek (oblique) will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha on Sunday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Kolek suffered a left oblique strain in late February and has finally been cleared to pitch in games again. He will need at least a couple rehab outings before being an option for the Royals' rotation or bullpen.
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Royals' Stephen Kolek: Ramping up in extended spring
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Kolek (oblique) threw three innings and 49 pitches Thursday during a simulated game at extended spring training, MLB.com reports.
Kolek is in the process of building back up after suffering a Grade 1 left oblique strain in late February and missing the remainder of the Cactus League. The 28-year-old remains in Arizona but could soon report to an affiliate to begin what will likely be an extended minor-league rehab assignment. Kolek isn't projected to return from the Royals' injured list until late April or early May.
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Royals' Stephen Kolek: Progressing in rehab
Rotowire
Kolek (oblique) threw a bullpen Saturday and could pitch in minor-league games next week, MLB.com reports.
Kolek is gradually building back up as he recovers from the Grade 1 left oblique strain he suffered Feb. 25, logging bullpen sessions Wednesday and Saturday. The right-hander is making progress, but it remains likely he opens the season on the injured list before reporting to Triple-A Omaha.
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Royals' Stephen Kolek: Has Grade 1 oblique strain
Rotowire
Kolek has been diagnosed with a Grade 1 left oblique strain, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
As Rogers reported Thursday, Kolek will be shut down for at least the next week before the next steps in his recovery are mapped out. The right-hander is competing for a spot in Kansas City's rotation this spring.
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Royals' Stephen Kolek: Nursing side injury
Rotowire
Kolek felt tightness in his left side while warming up in the bullpen during Wednesday's Cactus League game against the Mariners, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Kolek went into the clubhouse to have his left side evaluated by medical staff, and an update on his status should be made within the next couple days. The 28-year-old right-hander was acquired by the Royals from the Padres at the trade deadline in late July and is competing for a spot in Kansas City's rotation. Across five starts with the Royals in 2025, Kolek posted a 1-2 record with a 1.91 ERA, 0.76 WHIP and 21:5 K:BB across 33 innings.
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Royals' Stephen Kolek: Ready for another start Thursday
Rotowire
Kolek is slated to start Thursday's game versus the Mariners in Kansas City, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.
Following his Sept. 4 call-up from Triple-A Omaha, Kolek will be making his third straight turn through the rotation. The Royals will return Michael Wacha (personal) from the paternity list Tuesday and Cole Ragans (shoulder) from the injured list Wednesday, but Kolek will pick up another start after Seth Lugo (back) recently succumbed to a setback that could jeopardize his availability for the remainder of the season. Over his last two outings, Kolek has produced a 1.98 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 8:2 K:BB in 13.2 innings.
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Royals' Stephen Kolek: Encouraging start with new team
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Kolek didn't factor into the decision Thursday against the Guardians, allowing one run on three hits and no walks in 6.2 innings. He struck out four.
Kolek's Royals career is off to a promising start, as he's now fired at least six innings while conceding two runs or fewer in each of his first three starts for his new team. The three hits allowed matched a season low, and he's riding a streak of seven consecutive outings of at least five frames dating back to his time with San Diego. Kolek is next scheduled to take the mound for a key matchup against the Mariners. Through 99.1 innings, the right-hander owns a 3.71 ERA, 1.20 WHIP and 67:28 K:BB.
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Royals' Stephen Kolek: Receiving another start
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Kolek is slated to start Thursday's game against the Guardians at Progressive Field.
With Seth Lugo (back) recently joining Cole Ragans (shoulder) on the injured list, Kolek will stick around with the Royals to make a second turn through the rotation following his call-up from Triple-A Omaha last Thursday. During his start in this past Saturday's 11-2 win over the Twins, Kolek went seven strong innings and struck four batters while permitting two earned runs on six hits and one walk. He now maintains a respectable 3.88 ERA over 92.2 innings between San Diego and Kansas City, though it's supported by a weak 9.3 K-BB%.
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Royals' Stephen Kolek: Goes seven strong in win
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Kolek (5-5) earned the win against the Twins on Saturday, allowing two runs on six hits and one walk with four strikeouts over seven innings.
Kolek was spotted an early lead and ran with it, throwing 64 of 95 pitches for strikes while limiting the Twins to just two extra-base hits in his longest outing since a complete game shutout May 10. The 28-year-old has delivered quality starts in both of his appearances with the Royals and now owns a 3.88 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 63:27 K:BB across 92.2 innings this season. He's slated to face the Guardians on the road next week.
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Royals' Stephen Kolek: Returns to Triple-A
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The Royals optioned Kolek to Triple-A Omaha on Sunday.
The right-hander was called up for a spot start Saturday and allowed just one run over six innings in a no-decision against Detroit, but he won't stick on the big-league roster with Michael Wacha returning from the paternity list Sunday. Kolek could rejoin the big club down the stretch, but he may have a difficult time finding a spot in the Kansas City rotation while all of Wacha, Seth Lugo, Michael Lorenzen, Noah Cameron and Ryan Bergert are available.
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Royals' Stephen Kolek: Shines in Royals debut
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Kolek allowed one run on four hits and no walks while striking out three batters over six innings in a no-decision against Detroit on Saturday.
Kolek got an opportunity to start Saturday after the Royals decided to give Noah Cameron some extra rest between starts, and with Michael Wacha on paternity leave. Kolek made the most of the opportunity, limiting the Tigers to a lone fourth-inning run while needing just 71 pitches to complete six frames. Though the right-hander made a strong impression in his debut with Kansas City, it's unclear if there's room for him to get another turn in the rotation with five healthy starters in front of him.
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Royals' Stephen Kolek: Starting Saturday vs. Tigers
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Kolek is slated to start Saturday's game against the Tigers in Kansas City, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports.
Kolek was recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Friday after Michael Wacha (personal) was placed on the paternity list in a corresponding move. Though Wacha is on track to start Sunday's series finale, the Royals will temporarily clear a spot in the rotation for Kolek in order to give rookie Noah Cameron some additional rest between starts. Saturday's outing will mark the Royals debut for Kolek, whom Kansas City acquired from the Padres at the trade deadline. After the trade, Kolek reported to Omaha and logged a 6.63 ERA in 19 innings over five starts before receiving a call-up.
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Royals' Stephen Kolek: Set for Royals debut
Rotowire
The Royals recalled Kolek from Triple-A Omaha on Friday.
Kolek was traded from San Diego to Kansas City near the trade deadline and immediately reported to Omaha. He made five starts with Omaha, posting a 6.63 ERA and a 20:10 K:BB across 19 innings. Kolek steps onto the active roster in place of Michael Wacha, who was placed on the paternity list. Per Anne Rogers of MLB.com the Royals haven't announced a starter for Saturday's game and have Wacha listed as Sunday's starter. Assuming Wacha will be back in time for his scheduled outing, Kolek could pitch in Saturday's game, potentially after Noah Cameron, although Kolek could also get that start if the Royals want to manage Cameron's workload.
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Padres' Stephen Kolek: Notches quality start in win
Rotowire
Kolek (4-5) allowed two runs on four hits and three walks over six innings to pick up the win Sunday at St. Louis. He struck out two.
The San Diego righty limited the Cardinals offense to just one extra-base hit -- an Alec Burleson two-run homer in the sixth -- as he looked sharp in this 98-pitch appearance. This marks the fourth quality start of the season for Kolek, who should remain in the rotation for another turn given this performance. He'll carry a 4.18 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 56:26 K:BB across 79.2 frames into a rematch with the Cardinals at home next weekend.
