Hunter Harvey DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Kansas City Royals right-handed reliever Hunter Harvey (shoulder) started a throwing progression last Wednesday and has increased his workload since then. He could be headed for a minor-league rehab assignment this week. The 30-year-old reliever was placed on the 15-day injured list on April 11 (retroactive to April 8) with a right teres-major strain. Barring a setback once he starts his rehab assignment this week, Harvey could be back in the Royals' bullpen by early next week. Before injuring his shoulder, Harvey had tossed 5 1/3 scoreless innings while allowing one hit, walking none and striking out seven. When he's ready to rejoin the big-league bullpen, he'll return to being a late-inning setup man for closer Carlos Estevez. In fantasy leagues that reward points for holds, Harvey will be in play when he's back in the big leagues.

The Kansas City Royals announced on Friday that they placed right-handed reliever Hunter Harvey (shoulder) on the 15-day injured list (retroactive to April 8) with a right teres-major strain and recalled right-hander Steven Cruz from Triple-A Omaha in a corresponding move. Harvey was diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain, which is the most mild, so he could be ready to return to the Royals' bullpen when his 15 days are up. Veteran Carlos Estevez has settled in as KC's closer early on in 2025, with Lucas Erceg serving as the primary late-inning setup man. With Harvey on the shelf for a little bit, expect John Schreiber to be leaned on more in high-leverage setup spots. Although he won't see many save chances, if any, Harvey is a key member of the Royals bullpen and had tossed 5 1/3 scoreless innings with no walks and seven K's in his first six outings this year.

Kansas City Royals right-handed reliever Hunter Harvey (back) has been progressing with his throwing program after a few days of no activity and threw a bullpen session on Sunday. The Royals had to see how he felt on Monday to determine his next steps. Harvey has been on the 15-day injured list since Aug. 7 after he felt something pull in his back during his normal pre-game routine earlier that week. He also suffered a setback in his rehab program on Aug. 20 when he received a cortisone injection because his back wasn't loosening up as much as he or the team would have liked. The 29-year-old could require another bullpen session but appears close to going on a minor-league rehab assignment. Once he's ready to return to the major-league bullpen, Harvey is expected to serve in a late-inning, high-leverage setup role for KC.