1 Pitcher Who Kansas City Royals Need More From

The Kansas City Royals have had a disappointing start to the season, but they're still only two games out of first place in the NL Central at 19-22. If their pitching staff performs to its capability moving forward, they could move in front of the Cleveland Guardians (22-21) atop the division by Memorial Day.

One pitcher who must improve for the Royals is right-handed reliever Alex Lange. The 30-year-old is 0-2 with a 5.79 ERA over 16 appearances. That's especially problematic given that he's tied for fourth on the team in games pitched.

Lange is Kansas City's only pitcher with at least eight outings who has an ERA above 5.00. The 6-foot-3, 202-pounder has allowed a run in three of his last seven outings and in seven total.

Lange is also one of six Royals hurlers with double-digit appearances, and he's the only one with an ERA above 3.70.

Alex Lange Could Help Royals Win Close Games

Kansas City Royals pitcher Alex Lange (56). © William Purnell-Imagn Images

Lange looked like a bargain signing for Kansas City in the offseason, as he inked a one-year, $900,000 with the club. The veteran pitched just one game for the Detroit Tigers in 2025 due to his lat surgery, but he had ERAs under 4.00 in two of his previous four seasons.