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Player Outlook
The Royals acquired James McArthur via trade last May after the 26-year-old was designated for assignment by Phillies. The 6-foot-7 right-hander was mostly unimpressive as a long reliever for Kansas City's Triple-A affiliate, but nonetheless he was recalled for his big-league debut last June. He allowed seven earned runs over an inning of work during his MLB debut, then was shuttled back and forth between the majors and minors multiple times. Upon his final recall in early September, McArthur looked like a completely different pitcher. He closed out the season throwing more curveballs and fewer sinkers, which resulted in a 12-game scoreless streak spanning 16.1 innings with an impressive 19:0 K:BB. He even got some run as the Royals' closer, securing four saves over the final two weeks. McArthur's strong finish certainly improves his chances of making the Royals' 2024 Opening Day roster, but closing is no guarantee.

Fantasy Stats

Year fpts
Fantasy Points
fpts/g
Fantasy Points per Game
ip
Innings Pitched
w
Wins
l
Losses
sv
Saves
so
Strikeouts
bb
Base on Balls (Walk)
era
Earned Run Average
whip
Walks and Hits Allowed Per Inning
2024 0.00 0.00
2023 81.54.5 23.3 1 4 23 2 4.63 0.94
2022 0.0 0.00 0.00
3y Avg. 384.2 11.7 0 2 12 1 4.63 0.94
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Fantasy Performance by Week
8%
Roster
5%
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Fantasy News

  • Royals' James McArthur: Looking for high-leverage spot

    McArthur has allowed a run on three hits, a walk and a hit batsman while striking out two over three Cactus League innings. He had four saves late in 2023, but the offseason addition of Will Smith will obstruct McArthur's path to the ninth inning. McArthur had a 4.63 ERA over 23.1 innings last season, but he also posted a 0.94 WHIP, 23:2 K:BB and 2.78 FIP. While he likely won't be able to keep his control at quite that strong a level, McArthur's an intriguing reliever to keep an eye on, especially on a team that has prioritized improving its pitching staff.
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  • Royals' James McArthur: Closes out fourth save of season

    McArthur picked up the save in Sunday's 5-2 win over the Yankees. He allowed one hit while striking out four over two scoreless innings. McArthur has emerged as a closing option for the Royals in the last month as he now leads the team in saves since Sept. 1. Sunday's game marked the longest save of his career so far, with McArthur working two innings without trouble to shut the door. The rookie right-hander has improved his ERA in each month and has not allowed a run in his last 16.1 innings. He concludes his debut season with a 4.63 ERA and 0.94 WHIP in 23.1 innings with 23 strikeouts. His impressive performance to end the season will surely improve his chances of starting the year with the big club in 2024.
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  • Royals' James McArthur: Secures third save

    McArthur picked up the save in Sunday's 6-5 victory over the Astros. He allowed one hit and no walks while striking out one over a scoreless inning. McArthur appears to be part of a committee for the Royals' closer job, as he and Taylor Clarke split three saves this weekend in a sweep of the Astros (two for McArthur and one for Clarke). They have both earned preference over Carlos Hernandez, who has notched a hold in consecutive games. The 27-year-old McArthur has not allowed a run in 13.1 innings since being recalled Sept. 1. He's an intriguing fantasy pick-up for saves as the Royals finish the season against the Tigers and Yankees.
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  • Royals' James McArthur: Notches five-out save

    McArthur allowed a hit over 1.2 scoreless frames Friday, striking out two and earning a save against Houston. McArthur entered a 7-5 game in the eighth inning and had little trouble recording the final five outs. He's picked up his first two career saves over the last week and is currently riding a 12.1-inning scoreless streak. McArthur allowed seven runs in one inning in his MLB debut June 28, but in 18.1 innings since, he's registered a 2.45 ERA with a 17:1 K:BB.
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  • Royals' James McArthur: Collects first career save

    McArthur picked up the save in Monday's 6-4 victory over the Guardians. He pitched a clean inning and struck out one. After picking up his first career win Saturday, McArthur added a save to his ledger Monday. With both Taylor Clarke and Carlos Hernandez being unavailable due to throwing in two of the three previous days, McArthur was summoned for the save Monday after the Royals mounted a comeback in the eighth inning. McArthur has allowed just one hit with zero walks and eight strikeouts in 9.2 scoreless innings this month.
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  • Royals' James McArthur: Notches win over Houston

    McArthur (1-0) struck out two over 1.1 perfect innings to earn the win Saturday over the Astros. Collin Snider surrendered a game-tying home run to Jose Altuve, but McArthur was able to prevent the Astros from pulling ahead in the seventh inning. The Royals gained the lead in their half of the frame, and McArthur wound up with his first big-league win. While he's had a couple of rough outings this year, the right-hander has allowed just one hit while striking out seven over 8.2 scoreless innings since he was recalled from Triple-A Omaha when rosters expanded at the start of September.
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  • Royals' James McArthur: Gets opener assignment Saturday

    McArthur will serve as the Royals' opener Saturday at Toronto, Jaylon T. Thompson of The Kansas City Star reports. Zack Greinke is expected to enter the game behind McArthur as a bulk reliever. The 26-year-old has spent the majority of this season at the Triple-A level and carries a rough 10.13 ERA through his first 10.2 major-league innings.
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  • Royals' James McArthur: Recalled from Omaha

    Kansas City recalled McArthur from Triple-A Omaha on Friday. McArthur has given up 12 earned runs through his first seven major-league innings this season. The 26-year-old right-hander figures to operate in a low-leverage role as he gets another look in the Royals' bullpen.
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  • Royals' James McArthur: Recalled from Omaha

    Kansas City recalled McArthur from Triple-A Omaha on Friday. McArthur was just optioned out Wednesday, but the Royals need a replacement for Taylor Clarke as he heads to the 15-day IL with right elbow inflammation. McArthur figures to work in long relief.
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  • Royals' James McArthur: Optioned to Triple-A

    Kansas City optioned McArthur to Triple-A Omaha on Wednesday. McArthur was only up in the majors for one day and did not make an appearance. The 26-year-old right-hander got lit up for seven earned runs while recording only three outs in his major-league debut back on June 28 against the Guardians.
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  • Phillies' James McArthur: Recalled, placed on 60-day IL

    McArthur was recalled and placed on the 60-day injured list with a right elbow stress reaction Wednesday. McArthur was working as a starter at Double-A Reading to begin the season, and he posted a 5.05 ERA and 1.61 WHIP in 57 innings over 13 starts. However, he'll be forced to miss at least two months due to his elbow injury. It's not yet clear when the right-hander is expected to return, but he should head back to the minors once he's considered healthy.
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