Jackson Kowar Injury News & Updates

Kowar and Cole Phillips (elbow) were traded from Atlanta to Seattle on Sunday in exchange for Jarred Kelenic, Marco Gonzales and Evan White, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

Kowar was traded from Kansas City to Atlanta in mid-November, and he'll be on the move once again as the Winter Meetings get underway. The 27-year-old was once a highly-regarded prospect, but he's largely struggled in the big leagues. Over 39 appearances (eight starts), he posted a 9.12 ERA and 2.09 WHIP in 74 innings. If he earns a spot on Seattle's Opening Day roster in 2024, it's possible he has to settle for a role as a long reliever early in the year.

Atlanta acquired Kowar from the Royals on Friday in exchange for Kyle Wright, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Kowar owns a brutal 9.12 ERA through his first 74 major-league innings, but he was a top-100 prospect just a few years ago and can maybe find himself with a change of scenery. The reigning NL East champs could try him as a long reliever in 2024, though he also has past experience as a starter.

Kowar (2-0) allowed a hit and struck out two over a scoreless inning to earn the win Monday over the Guardians.

Kowar's two wins have come over his last five appearances, in which he's posted a 5.1-inning scoreless streak with a 6:1 K:BB. The right-hander is finding a bit more success out of the bullpen in the majors, though he still has a 4.91 ERA, 1.68 WHIP and 28:16 K:BB through 25.2 innings over 20 appearances this season. Kowar started just one of his 30 outings with Triple-A Omaha but pitched to a 5.96 ERA over 45.1 innings. It appears he'll mostly remain in a low-leverage role with the capability to take multiple innings for the rest of this season.

Kowar (1-0) struck out one in a perfect inning to earn the win Tuesday over the White Sox.

Kowar pitched the ninth inning with the Royals down by one, but they scraped together two runs to walk it off. This was Kowar's fifth scoreless effort across eight appearances since he was recalled from Triple-A Omaha on Aug. 17. The right-hander has a 5.91 ERA, 1.83 WHIP and 23:15 K:BB over 21.1 innings in the majors this season while working almost exclusively as a reliever across all levels.

Kansas City recalled Kowar from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday.

Kowar returns to the Royals as a fresh bullpen arm ahead of Thursday's series finale against the Mariners. The 26-year-old right-hander has allowed 12 runs -- eight earned -- in 11.2 innings of work this season at the MLB level.

Kansas City optioned Kowar to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

James McArthur has also been sent to Omaha, with Cole Ragans and Tucker Davidson joining the Royals ahead of Wednesday night's game against the Mets. Kowar, 26, did not make an appearance during his one-day stint on the major-league roster.

The Royals recalled Kowar from Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Kowar and James McArthur will both come up from the minors to make up for the loss of Scott Barlow and Ryan Yarbrough following Tuesday's trade deadline. With a 9.83 ERA and 2.13 WHIP through 57.2 career MLB innings, Kowar offers very little fantasy value.

Kowar was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

Kowar was most recently promoted to the majors June 2, and he pitched 9.1 innings across seven appearances since. He allowed at least one run on four occasions, which amounted to a 7.71 ERA.

Kansas City recalled Kowar from Triple-A Omaha on Friday.

The 26-year-old right-hander will replace Amir Garrett, who is headed to the 15-day injured list with a left elbow injury. A former top prospect, Kowar projects to operate in long relief as he joins the Royals' major-league roster for the second time this season.

Kowar was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

Kowar was called up on Tuesday and tossed 2.1 scoreless innings while walking two batters and striking out three others in Friday's 2-0 loss to the White Sox. With Amir Garrett (personal) being reinstated from the family emergency list Saturday, Kowar will head back to Triple-A. The right-hander could earn another call up later this summer if a bullpen arm goes down for Kansas City.

The Royals recalled Kowar from Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.

Kowar holds a 7.84 ERA and 2.13 WHIP through 20.2 innings across 13 appearances in Omaha this season. His struggles are nothing new, as he hasn't maintained an ERA below 6.00 at any level since 2021. He has a knack for striking batters out at an above-average rate, but Kowar still holds virtually no fantasy value. Max Castillo was optioned to Omaha in a corresponding move.

Kowar's role moving forward has yet to be determined by the Royals, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Kowar was part of the Royals' camp cuts Wednesday and the team is still deciding whether to deploy him as a starter or reliever. The first-round pick will stay stretched out this spring, but it's possible the organization ultimately determines his best bet to help down the line is as a reliever. Kowar, 26, has struggled in both roles in the majors so far with a 9.16 ERA as a reliever and an even-uglier 11.85 mark as a starter.

Kowar was optioned to Triple-A Omaha by the Royals on Wednesday.

Kowar had surrendered five earned runs on seven hits and three walks through five innings of work this spring in the Cactus League. The 26-year-old carries a ghastly 10.76 ERA in 46 career frames at the MLB level.

Kowar was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Saturday.

Kowar was called up Wednesday, and he gave up two runs on two hits and two walks while failing to strike out a batter in one-third of an inning during Friday's game against the Yankees. He'll head back to the minors after Jonathan Heasley (shoulder) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list.

Kowar was called up from Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

Kowar will return to the Royals just one day after being sent down to Omaha. He'll replace Angel Zerpa (knee) on the active roster after the latter was placed on the 15-day injured list Wednesday. Kowar has produced a 8.80 ERA over 15.1 innings in six appearances with Kansas City this year.

The Royals optioned Kowar to Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday, Joel Goldberg of Bally Sports Kansas City reports.

Kowar threw two scoreless innings in his most recent appearance July 14, yet he still has an 8.80 ERA through six games this season. The righty figures to rejoin Kansas City for bullpen depth at some point in 2022.

Kowar allowed five runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out three over 2.2 innings during Saturday's 13-1 loss to the Guardians.

Jonathan Heasley was blitzed in the first two innings, and Kowar didn't do much better, though he recorded the most outs of any Royals pitcher in the contest. With eight runs, 12 hits and eight walks in 10 innings across four appearances since his June 26 recall from Triple-A Omaha, Kowar hasn't looked very effective against major-league hitters. Daniel Lynch (finger) is expected to return from the injured list Monday, and it figures one of Heasley, Kowar or Kris Bubic is most likely to be headed back to Omaha to make room for him.

The Royals recalled Kowar from Triple-A Omaha on Sunday.

Kowar will provide the Royals with a multi-inning option out of the bullpen after Kansas City demoted lefty Foster Griffin to Triple-A in a corresponding move. Over his 12 starts with Omaha this season, Kowar has turned in a 6.34 ERA, 1.65 WHIP and 62:23 K:BB across 55.1 innings.

Kowar was optioned to Triple-A Omaha on Monday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

Kowar got lit up for seven runs after entering out of the bullpen during Sunday's 17-3 loss to the Guardians, giving up 11 hits and walking one while striking out four over 3.1 innings. Manager Mike Matheny said that the 25-year-old will be a part of the starting rotation with Triple-A Omaha moving forward. In a corresponding move, Joel Payamps will rejoin the big-league club following an absence due to a family emergency.

Kowar was awarded a spot on the Opening Day roster Tuesday, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

The first-round pick from 2018 got his first taste of big-league action last season, but he struggled with an 11.27 ERA and 2.08 WHIP across nine appearances spanning 30.1 innings. He didn't have the best spring either, allowing four runs on eight hits and three walks through seven innings. Kowar will be able to log multi-inning assignments, though with Carlos Hernandez in the rotation, it's expected Kowar will operate out of the bullpen to begin the year.

Kowar allowed a run of three hits and struck out four over two innings in Sunday's 11-10 win over the Diamondbacks.

The decrease in walks is the most encouraging takeaway here -- Kowar issued 20 free passes in 30.1 major-league innings last season. He struggled to an 11.27 ERA and 2.08 WHIP with the Royals last season, but he posted a strong 3.46 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 80.2 innings with Triple-A Omaha. Kowar is competing for a back-end spot in the rotation during spring training, though he may begin the year in Omaha if the Royals opt to carry five starters early on.

Kowar (0-6) allowed five runs on five hits and a walk while striking out six in four innings to take the loss against the Twins on Sunday.

Kowar gave up four runs in the top of the first inning before recording an out, but he settled down later in his outing and retired nine consecutive batters across the next three innings. However, he was forced to finish the season with his fourth loss in his last five appearances. The right-hander made nine appearances (eight starts) during his first major-league season and recorded an 11.27 ERA and 2.08 WHIP in 30.1 innings.

Kowar (0-5) got the loss after pitching 4.1 innings, giving up five runs on seven hits and walking one while striking out four versus Cleveland on Monday.

The right-hander was hit early, surrendering four runs in the first three innings including an Amed Rosario solo home run in the bottom of the third. It was the fourth straight outing for Kowar in which he gave up at least five runs. Since Sept. 7, he has thrown 15.1 innings while allowing 21 runs, good for a 12.33 ERA. He'll look for his elusive first win in the season finale against the Twins on Sunday.

Kowar (0-4) allowed five runs on seven hits and three walks while striking out three over four innings as he took the loss against the Mariners on Sunday.

Kowar was knocked around again in what was his third straight start allowing five runs or more. He gave up two in the first on a double from Jared Keleic, another in the second and two more in the third on a pair of solo home runs. His success in the minors has certainly not translated over to the big leagues just yet. The 24-year-old righty now owns an 11.45 ERA, 2.23 WHIP and 19:18 K:BB over 22 innings. He should be avoided in lineups at all costs for the remainder of the season.

Kowar didn't factor into the decision Tuesday against Oakland after allowing five runs on three hits and four walks across one inning, fanning one. He also tossed a wild pitch.

It's not a secret that Kowar has struggled mightily in his first big-league stint, but this one could go down easily as his worst start to date. The fact that he hasn't been able to complete two full innings in three of his six appearances is concerning, but so is the fact that he has allowed at least four runs in four of those six starts. With those numbers, the fact that he owns an 11.50 ERA with a 2.17 WHIP and a 7.5 BB/9 through 18 big-league innings shouldn't be surprising.

Kowar (0-3) took the loss Tuesday, coughing up six runs on five hits and three walks over six innings as the Royals fell 7-3 to the Orioles. He struck out seven.

The strikeouts were a silver lining on an otherwise stormy performance, as Kowar got taken deep by DJ Stewart in the first inning and Austin Hays in the third to account for most of the damage off him. The 24-year-old has lasted six innings in each of his last two starts, but his 9.53 ERA, 1.94 WHIP and 15:12 K:BB through his first 17 big-league innings makes Kowar impossible to trust in fantasy lineups.

Kowar will draw a second straight turn through the Kansas City rotation in Tuesday's game at Baltimore, Anne Rogers of MLB.com reports.

After joining Kansas City when the roster expanded from 26 to 28 men, Kowar slotted back into the team's rotation. He delivered a quality start Sept. 1 in a no-decision versus Cleveland, striking out six over six innings while giving up two runs on five hits and three walks. The Royals will reward Kowar with another start as a result, and he should hold down a spot in the team's six-man rotation until one of Brad Keller (lat) or Jakob Junis (shoulder) return from the injured list.

Kowar did not factor in the decision against Cleveland on Wednesday, pitching six innings and allowing two earned runs on four hits and three walks while striking out six.

The rookie right-hander posted an ugly 18.00 ERA across three outings earlier this season, but he looked like a different pitcher after being called up to start Wednesday. Kowar allowed only two hits through four scoreless innings before a two-out error led to a pair of fifth-inning runs, but he bounced back with a scoreless sixth frame, retiring his final two batters of the night via strikeout. The strong performance could earn Kowar another turn in the rotation, a scenario made more likely with Jakob Junis (shoulder) landing on the injured list Wednesday.

The Royals recalled Kowar from Triple-A Omaha ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday against Cleveland.

The addition of Kowar will give the other Kansas City's starters some extra rest between outings, but the 24-year-old right-hander won't necessarily become a fixture in the rotation in September. He faltered badly in a three-outing stint with the big club back in June (18.00 ERA, 3.20 WHIP in five innings), and he wasn't overly impressive upon returning to Triple-A, submitting a 5.14 ERA and 1.47 WHIP in 49 innings. Kowar at least appeared to turn a corner in his most recent two Triple-A starts, working 11 innings between those outings while giving up two earned runs and posting a 16:2 K:BB.

Kowar will be recalled from Triple-A Omaha to start Wednesday against Cleveland, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports Kansas City reports.

Kowar made his big-league debut in June and returned to the minors after surrendering 10 earned runs over five innings (three appearances), and he'll rejoin the Royals on Wednesday for another look. The 24-year-old hasn't been particularly effective at Triple-A since the demotion with a 5.14 ERA, 1.47 WHIP and 74:24 K:BB, though he's given up two runs with a 16:2 K:BB in his past two outings (11 innings).

The Royals optioned Kowar to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday.

The writing was on the wall for Kowar's demotion after the Royals shifted him to the bullpen after a disastrous first two starts following his June 7 promotion from Triple-A Omaha. After giving up eight earned runs while recording only six outs between the two starts, Kowar fared only marginally better in long relief Saturday against the Red Sox, giving up two runs on three hits over two innings. He'll slot back into the rotation at Omaha and look to recapture some success before the Royals entertain the idea of calling him up again.

Kowar allowed two runs on three hits and struck out one in three innings in Saturday's 7-1 loss to Boston.

Kowar was called upon for a bulk relief assignment, and his first two innings went well. The right-hander struggled in the ninth as Bobby Dalbec hit a two-run home run. Bizarrely, this relief outing was Kowar's longest of three appearances this year, even though the first two were starts. He's still allowed 10 runs across five innings to begin his major-league career. It's unclear if the 24-year-old will reenter the rotation next week -- if he does, it'll likely be versus the Yankees if he stays on regular rest.

Kowar will be available to pitch in relief Friday against the Red Sox, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

Kowar originally lined up to start the series opener, but the Royals are opting to utilize Kyle Zimmer as an opener in place of the struggling rookie. The Royals have not directly said that Kowar will serve as the bulk man out of the bullpen Friday, but he figures to be an option to provide length following Zimmer's presumed early exit.

Kowar will not start Friday's game against the Red Sox.

Kowar was in line to take the ball for Friday's series opener, but it will be Kyle Zimmer toeing the rubber instead. Kowar struggled mightily in his first two starts, allowing a total of eight earned runs on eight hits and five walks while failing to work past the second inning in either outing. The plan going forward isn't entirely clear for the right-hander, but assuming he isn't sent down prior the game, he could be an option to provide length out of the bullpen Friday.

Kowar (0-2) was tagged with the loss Saturday against the Athletics after allowing four runs on five hits and three walks across 1.1 innings. He struck out one.

It was another rough outing for Kowar and even though he was able to get out of the first inning this time, he didn't make a substantial improvement compared to his debut and once again delivered a below-average outing. It remains to be seen how patient the Royals will be with their star prospect, but right now, it's not entirely clear that he'll get another shot in the rotation any time soon.

Kowar is scheduled to start Saturday's game in Oakland, Lynn Worthy of The Kansas City Star reports.

The 24-year-old right-hander couldn't make it out of the first inning in his highly anticipated MLB debut Monday, recording just two outs while surrendering four runs on three hits and two walks en route to taking a loss. Ervin Santana performed better in long relief (three earned runs allowed in four innings), but the Royals won't look to make a chance to their rotation after Kowar's shaky debut. Kowar will have nowhere to go but up Saturday, though he may need to make notable improvements in his control and command to ensure he receives a third turn through the rotation.

Kowar (0-1) was tagged with the loss Monday against the Angels after allowing four runs on three hits and two walks across two-thirds of an inning.

This wasn't the outing Kowar was expecting, as he couldn't even get out of the first inning and was lifted after giving up four runs and not striking out anyone. He could be lined up for a two-start week since he'd be tentatively up to pitch during the weekend series in Oakland, but that remains to be seen considering how much he struggled in his pro debut.

Kowar's contract was selected as expected ahead of his big-league debut Monday against the Angels.

Heading into this season, Kowar was a real prospect but not an elite one, as he'd produced a 3.50 ERA and a modest 22.8 percent strikeout rate in 35 minor-league starts. He burst out of the gate this season for Triple-A Omaha, however, striking out 33.9 percent of opposing batters en route to a 0.85 ERA through six starts, thanks in part to an improvement in his previously fringy curveball. If he pitches well enough in his debut start to earn a permanent place in the Royals' rotation, he'd line up for a two-start week this week, as he'd likely pitch during the weekend series in Oakland. Jakob Junis was optioned to clear a spot for him on the active roster.

Kowar will be called up to start Monday's game against the Angels, Josh Vernier of 610 Sports reports.

Kowar was dominant in the minors to begin the season, and he was named the Triple-A East pitcher of the month in May. Across six starts for Triple-A Omaha, the right-hander posted a 0..85 ERA, 0.90 WHIP and 41:10 K:BB in 31.2 innings. Kowar boasts a mid-90s fastball and an elite changeup and will fill in while Danny Duffy (forearm) is sidelined, although the 24-year-old could also make a case for a long-term rotation spot.

Kowar was named the Triple-A East pitcher of the month Wednesday after he went 5-0 with a 1.01 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 36:9 K:BB across 26.2 innings in his first five starts of the season.

The Royals already gave Daniel Lynch a look at the big-league level earlier this season, and Kowar is putting himself in position to be the next high-profile pitching prospect to earn a call-up. Kansas City currently has Ervin Santana filling in as its No. 5 starter while Danny Duffy (forearm) is on the shelf, but the 38-year-old isn't viewed as anything more than a temporarily option for 27-26 Royals squad that was beginning to fade from the wild-card race prior to its ongoing three-game winning streak. Expect Kansas City to eventually make developing its younger options a greater priority as the season unfolds, making the 24-year-old Kowar an attractive pitcher to stash in deeper leagues.

The Royals reassigned Kowar to their minor-league camp Monday.

Kansas City sent several of its top prospects back to minor-league camp Monday, as Kowar was reassigned along with infielder Bobby Witt, outfielder Kyle Isbel and pitcher Daniel Lynch. Kowar will likely open the 2021 campaign at Triple-A Omaha after posting a 3.51 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 78:21 K:BB across 74.1 innings at Double-A Northwest Arkansas in 2019.

Kowar will join the Royals' major-league squad for spring training.

Without the canceled minor-league season last year, Kowar could be knocking on the door of the big leagues already or could potentially have already debuted. He closed 2019 with 13 starts for Double-A Northwest Arkansas, recording a 3.51 ERA. He may not be given serious consideration for an Opening Day roster spot, but he stands a good chance of debuting this year if he looks good in the minors.