Reliever Mitch Spence put his name into the Kansas City Royals record books on Friday. It was just not the kind of history he would have wanted to make.
Spence had been tasked with being the Royals’ bulk reliever after opener Steven Cruz started the game against the Chicago White Sox. He entered with one out and a runner on first, but retired both of the batters he faced to escape the inning.
The wheels came off in the third. The White Sox scored 10 runs on eight hits and three walks before Spence was lifted with two out in the inning. Chicago’s lineup did not let up as the White Sox won in a 22-1 blowout.
Mitch Spence may not get another chance with Kansas City Royals
That performance gave Spence an unwanted place in Royals history. He became the third reliever to allow at least 10 runs in an appearance in franchise history, joining Jimmy Gobble (July 21, 2008 — 1 inning, 10 earned runs) and Vin Mazzaro (May 16, 2011 — 2.1 innings, 14 earned runs). All three of those performances came against AL Central rivals.
Although Spence had moments of success during his time with the Athletics in 2024 and 2025, that has not been the case in Kansas City. He has allowed 22 earned runs on 19 hits and nine walks over his 9.1 innings in his three appearances. Spence has struggled in Triple-A as well this season, posting a 6.47 ERA and a 1.336 WHiP over his 38.1 innings for the Storm Chasers.
The Royals’ bullpen has been one of the biggest issues in what has been a disappointing season. While the Royals need to find answers going forward, Spence has proven that he is not part of the solution. Friday may have been his last chance to prove otherwise.
