News

May 18, 2023

Former 1st

Kansas City Royals pitcher Jackson Kowar is back in the big leagues. The former

Kansas City Royals pitcher Jackson Kowar is back in the big leagues. The former 2018 first-round pick is set for his third MLB stint after appearing in seven games last season.

However, Kowar will have a new role. He is slated to provide innings as a long reliever. It's a new venture he began with Triple-A Omaha this season.

"It's a little bit of a different opportunity than in years past," Kowar said. "Years past, it's been start and develop some different stuff. It's been a little more work out of the ‘pen."

Kowar logged 20 2/3 innings in his Triple-A stint. He made 13 appearances (one start) and detailed several adjustments he made as a reliever. Kowar learned how to manage inherited runners and how to navigate high-leverage situations.

"This first month in Triple-A has been helpful from that standpoint," Kowar said. (There is) little reliever stuff like being ready every day and coming in with runners on. Little stuff you don't really think about as a starter. Different roles like coming in earlier in games or later. Really happy I got a sense of the whole bullpen. I think it was really helpful for me."

Kowar recorded a 7.84 ERA in the minor leagues. He allowed 18 earned runs, issued 18 walks and struck out 25 batters.

In his last five outings, Kowar recorded better results. He allowed two runs and generated eight strikeouts. That included a recent appearance against the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Railroaders. Kowar pitched two innings and was stretched out to 45 pitches.

The Royals sent down reliever Max Castillo in a corresponding move. Royals manager Matt Quatraro said the team needed more innings in short order.

"Max did a great job. He threw 80 pitches in Milwaukee and 42 pitches (Monday)," Quatraro said on Tuesday. "He really saved us twice on days where we got short starts. We really just had to freshen up. We needed somebody that can provide length out of the bullpen and give us some coverage. Jackson has been bumped to three innings in Triple-A and most recently two innings. So, we feel really good."

Kowar gained some bullpen experience in his previous MLB stints. Now, he will primarily work from the bullpen going forward. He recalled that Royals teammates Josh Staumont and Josh Taylor helped prepare him for the role.

"You pick it up fast, and after a while you get the ebbs and flows of everything," Kowar said.

Kowar could be available against the San Diego Padres in a series the Royals evened 1-1 with a win on Tuesday. Quatraro said Kowar is someone who will be needed this season.

"We think he is someone we can count on going forward," Quatraro said. "It's good to get him back here."