Sam Long hits the IL, Evan Sisk gets opportunity

An elbow injury for the struggling lefty gives way for another lefty

The Royals made a move before their series finale in Cleveland.

Left hander Sam Long was a fantastic addition to the bullpen last season and was one of the guys in the circle of trust. He threw 42 and ²⁄₃ innings, striking out 44 batters and walking 17. He had a 3-3 record, and a 3.16 ERA, but had a career best 0.7 WAR. He was instrumental in many clutch moments last season.

However, this season has been the complete opposite as he has struggled almost every single time, he was put out there. In 7 innings pitched this year, Long has surrendered 12 runs, 10 earned. He is 0-2 with a 12.86 ERA and a -0.9 WAR. He was the losing pitcher on Opening Day, struggling in the 10th against Cleveland and he was the pitcher that got walked off in the rubber game against the Brewers.

Evan Sisk is a 27-year-old left-handed pitcher, who will be making his MLB debut whenever he first gets into a game. He has been fantastic for the Royals over the last two seasons. Last year in Omaha, he was 6-2, with a 1.57 ERA in 57 and ¹⁄₃ innings pitched. He was also 15 of 17 in save opportunities, meaning he can pitch high leverage if needed. This season, he has thrown 4 and ²⁄₃ scoreless innings in Omaha.

Sisk was acquired with fellow newcomer to the bullpen Steven Cruz from the Twins in the Michael A. Taylor trade before the 2023 season.