KANSAS CITY -- The Royals shifted the look of their bullpen on Sunday as Jonathan Bowlan was recalled from Triple-A Omaha and Chris Stratton designated for assignment ahead of the I-70 Series finale against the Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium.
Stratton’s DFA marks the end of his season-plus with the Royals, none of which has been easy for the 34-year-old. Across 75 1/3 innings in 2024 and ‘25, Stratton posted a 6.09 ERA, including a 7.94 ERA in 12 appearances this year.
“Unfortunately, we DFA’d Stratton to get Bowlan up here,” manager Matt Quatraro said before the Royals' 2-1 win. “Stratton was the consummate pro, and he did a lot for us not only on the field, but behind the scenes. Stabilizing the bullpen last year. We talked a lot about his leadership, but we felt like this is the right time to get Bowlan up here and get him some exposure.”
Kansas City signed Stratton to a two-year, $8 million contract ahead of the 2024 season, with a player option as the second year in that contract. He’s owed $4.5 million this season. But with the Royals scuffling and dealing with several pitching injuries -- including two of their top starters hitting the injured list on Saturday in Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo -- the club needs a fresh arm in Bowlan and more reliability in its bullpen.
Removing Stratton also gives the Royals an open 40-man roster spot, which they might have to use as they piece together pitching plans over the next week. That might include a bullpen game on Wednesday in San Francisco when Ragans’ spot in the rotation comes up again.
Despite the lack of performance, Stratton was a key piece of the Royals’ clubhouse, especially as a veteran reliever in the bullpen. His presence and professionalism helped turn Kansas City from a 106-loss team in 2023 to a contender in ‘24, even as he struggled on the mound.
This will be Bowlan’s second stint in the Majors this season, but he’d only thrown two scoreless innings entering Sunday. After the Royals fully transitioned the 6-foot-6 righty into a reliever at the end of last year and in Spring Training this season, his stuff has ticked up in short stints, and he offers the ‘pen a big look from the right side.
“It’s a very exciting opportunity, and whenever they call my name, I’m here to be ready,” Bowlan said. “Whatever I can do to help this team win ballgames is what I want to do to the best of my ability.”
Bowlan has a 2.08 ERA in 17 1/3 innings in Triple-A Omaha this season, with 25 strikeouts and five walks. He’s primarily thrown one- or one-plus inning appearances, and the Royals will have him continue in that role in the Majors.
“I’ve been working on consistency,” Bowlan said. “Just trusting my stuff and what I’ve been working on in Spring Training and just challenging guys and continuing to attack.”