Kansas City Royals fans, breathe a little easier. The bullpen received some much-needed positive news on Wednesday regarding the status of All-Star closer Carlos Estevez.

President of Baseball Operations J.J. Picollo provided an encouraging update on Estevez, who has been on the 15-day injured list with a bruised left foot since a brutal Opening Day outing against the Atlanta Braves. In that appearance, he recorded just one out, surrendered six runs, and took the loss—a nightmare start for the pitcher who led all of MLB with 42 saves just last season.

The key takeaway? A return to the mound is on the horizon. According to reports from Cody Tapp of 96.5 The Fan, Picollo shared that Estevez is targeting a minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha within the next five days. For a Royals 'pen that has felt his absence, this timeline is a major step forward.

While the foot is healing, the Royals' focus will extend beyond just health. Scouts and coaches will be watching his velocity closely during his rehab outings. A noticeable dip in his fastball was a concern even before the injury, and regaining that elite power is crucial for the high-leverage reliever who thrives on overpowering hitters.

His immediate role upon return might be flexible; he may not immediately reclaim the ninth inning. However, getting a pitcher of his caliber and experience back into the late-inning mix is a significant boost for a team looking to compete. Estevez, in the final guaranteed year of his contract, has a proven track record of dominance, and the Royals are undoubtedly eager to see him recapture the form that made him an All-Star anchor in 2024.