# Royals’ Breakdown and Bullpen Crisis | Kansas City Royals News

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/kansas-city-royals-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7463315/royals-breakdown-and-bullpen-crisis-kansas-city-royals-news
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/kansas-city-royals-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7463315/royals-breakdown-and-bullpen-crisis-kansas-city-royals-news.md
Podcast: [Kansas City Royals News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now!](https://stenobird.com/podcast/kansas-city-royals-news-today-2-min-news-the-daily-news-now-7463315)
Published: 2026-07-12T23:30:29+00:00
Episode link: https://sources.thednn.ai/ad1e55e43505c126
Audio file: https://api.fastcast.ai/audio/4fa54e12-8e81-41bc-ac07-64468bfa24cc.mp3
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Duration seconds: 117

## Resource

The Royals are heading into the All-Star break reeling with a 38-59 record, tied for worst in baseball, after a brutal 1-5 road trip capped by an 8-2 loss to the Orioles. Seth Lugo’s four-inning start marked their ninth straight game without a quality start, and despite nine hits, they managed just two runs, struggling mightily with runners in scoring position. The bullpen, now the worst in MLB with a 5.33 ERA, has been the biggest culprit — Matt Strahm surrendered a game-winner Friday and five runs Sunday, including a balk, while Lucas Erceg added a run in the seventh. Strahm admits the bullpen is in disarray, searching for answers and clearer roles. With four days off, players like Bobby Witt Jr. hope to reset and turn the page. Manager Matt Quatraro stresses it’s up to the team to string together wins, one day at a time, as they face the daunting task of salvaging the second half. Listen in comfort: Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN: advertise@thednn.ai This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting. Report issues to feedback@thednn.ai. View sources & latest updates: https://sources.thednn.ai/ad1e55e43505c126

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