Scouting Report
Updated May 20, 2026
Noah Cameron, 26-year-old Kansas City Royals left-hander, was scratched from his Tuesday start against Cleveland with back tightness. He is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Thursday with a potential start Sunday against Detroit if he responds well. Cameron has struggled significantly in 2026 with a 5.40 ERA and 1.61 WHIP through 7 starts (31 2/3 innings, 28 K, 11 BB). This represents a notable regression from his 2025 rookie season (2.99 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, 9-7 record). He has surrendered 5 home runs early in the season and is giving up hard contact at elevated rates. Cameron acknowledged after a recent rough outing that he needs to attack more and stop nibbling in counts.
Strengths
- + Experienced left-handed starter
- + Strong 2025 rookie season (2.99 ERA, 1.10 WHIP)
- + Finished 4th in AL Rookie of the Year voting in 2025
- + Back injury not considered serious
- + Young at 26 years old with upside for improvement
Weaknesses
- - Currently dealing with back tightness (day-to-day)
- - Significant 2026 regression with 5.40 ERA through 7 starts
- - Elevated walk rate (11 walks in 31.2 innings)
- - Giving up hard contact at higher rates than 2025
- - 5 home runs surrendered in short stretch
- - Struggling with command and pitch location
- - Royals rotation has been hit hard by injuries
- - Team sitting under .500 (19-22) heading into mid-May
Injury Status: day-to-day
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Daniel Camarena is a sp for the Chicago Cubs.
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