Eric Cerantola Makes MLB Debut with Kansas City Royals
IL Omaha Storm Chasers

Eric Cerantola Makes MLB Debut with Kansas City Royals

Published on May 7, 2026 under International League (IL)
Omaha Storm Chasers News Release


Omaha Storm Chasers pitcher Eric Cerantola
Omaha Storm Chasers pitcher Eric Cerantola
(Omaha Storm Chasers, Credit: Minda Haas Kuhlmann)

PAPILLION, Neb. - Omaha Storm Chasers right-handed pitcher Eric Cerantola made his Major League debut for the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, in their game at Kauffman Stadium against the Cleveland Guardian, the second Storm Chaser to debut in the Major Leagues this season and the first to do so with the Royals.

The 26-year-old was recalled by the Royals Wednesday and entered his first MLB game that evening at Kauffman Stadium, pitching the 9th inning of Kansas City's contest against the Guardians. He recorded a strikeout of Petey Halpin for his first MLB strikeout, and he allowed just one hit in a scoreless inning with a pair of strikeouts to begin his big league career.

With his entry into Wednesday's game, Cerantola is the 348th player in franchise history to make their MLB debut after playing for the Triple-A Omaha club. The Canadian is in his 6th season of professional baseball, after being drafted by the Royals in the 5th round of the 2021 MLB Draft.

Prior to his recall, the right-hander appeared in 12 games for Omaha in 2026, pitching to a 1.42 ERA (2 ER in 12.2 IP) with 18 strikeouts in 12.2 innings (12.79 K/9). Cerantola converted all 5 of his save opportunities with the Chasers, leading the International League while tied second in the Minors with 5 saves. He opened the season with 10 straight scoreless appearances, which combined for a 20-game, 23.0-inning scoreless streak dating back to August 2025.

After debuting in Triple-A in August 2024 and helping Omaha to the International League Championship that season, Cerantola spent all of 2025 with the Storm Chasers, with a 4.04 ERA (22 ER in 49.0 IP) and 63 strikeouts in 49.0 innings (11.57 K/9) over 38 appearances. Among 43 Royals Minor Leaguers who pitched at least 150.0 innings between 2022 and 2025, he ranked 1st in K/9 (11.79) and 2nd in opponents average (.213). Cerantola has appeared in 133 Minor League games (24 starts) since being drafted, the 9th-most of any Royals Minor League pitcher since the start of 2021.

Cerantola is the 2nd Storm Chasers player this season to make their Major League debut after right-hander Ryan Weiss (2022-23) made his MLB debut with the Astros on March 27 vs. Los Angeles (AL).

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Images from this story

Omaha Storm Chasers pitcher Eric Cerantola
Omaha Storm Chasers pitcher Eric Cerantola
(Minda Haas Kuhlmann)		   



International League Stories from May 7, 2026


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