Royals recall Mitch Spence as Kolek goes on paternity list
The Kansas City Royals recalled right-hander Mitch Spence from Triple-A Omaha on June 26, 2026, placing Stephen Kolek on the paternity list ahead of their Friday night game against the Chicago White Sox. Spence is expected to handle bulk innings in a bullpen game after Steven Cruz opens, filling the rotation hole left by Kolek's family leave.
Key Takeaways
- Stephen Kolek was placed on the paternity list before the Royals' Friday opener in Chicago.
- Mitch Spence was recalled from Triple-A Omaha in the corresponding roster move.
- Steven Cruz is expected to open a bullpen game, with Spence likely handling bulk innings.
- Kolek enters the leave at 4-2 with a 4.15 ERA after several injury-forced rotation starts.
- Spence is expected to return to Omaha after the White Sox series unless Kolek is reinstated sooner.
Why did the Royals place Stephen Kolek on the paternity list?
The Royals announced the move on Friday afternoon, June 26, before their series opener against the White Sox at 6:40 p.m. CT. Kolek had been scheduled to start that night in Chicago.
Royals.TV's Joel Goldberg reported Thursday that Kolek was heading home for the birth of his first child. The paternity list allows MLB players to be with their families without using injured-list time, and Kolek's absence forced Kansas City to reshuffle its pitching plans on short notice.
What role will Mitch Spence play against the White Sox?
With Kolek unavailable, the Royals opted for a bullpen game rather than naming a traditional starter. Relief pitcher Steven Cruz is expected to open Friday's contest, while Mitch Spence is lined up for the bulk of the innings behind him.
Spence has already appeared twice for Kansas City in 2026 — once in relief against the Nationals in April and again in a start against the Yankees last week. NBC Sports reported he surrendered six runs over four innings in both outings. At the major-league level this season, he carries a 13.50 ERA across eight innings with four strikeouts and a 2.125 WHIP, per Yahoo Sports.
How has Mitch Spence performed in the minors this year?
Spence's struggles have extended to Triple-A Omaha, where he has posted a 6.66 ERA in 48 2/3 innings, according to Yahoo Sports. Still, the Royals have limited options after a season of rotation injuries, and Spence remains one of the few arms in the system with recent big-league experience.
He previously pitched for the Oakland Athletics from 2024 to 2025 before joining the Royals organization. Kansas City has already shuttled him between Omaha and the majors multiple times in 2026, using him for spot starts and long relief when the staff has been stretched thin.
When will Stephen Kolek return to the rotation?
The Royals have not said whether Kolek could be back in time to pitch during the White Sox weekend series. Yahoo Sports noted he will likely skip one turn through the rotation and reclaim a roster spot once reinstated, presumably sending Spence back to Triple-A.
For now, stacking wins in Chicago is the priority. Kansas City's playoff hopes have been fading quickly, and Friday's bullpen game against the White Sox adds pressure to a staff already stretched by injuries. Follow more roster and breaking sports updates in our Celebrity Breaking News section.