Twins' bid for combo no-hitter ends with 1 out in 9th vs KC
Minnesota rookie Joe Ryan and reliever Jovani Moran combined to pitch no-hit ball until Bobby Witt Jr. doubled with one out in the ninth inning as the Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3.
Royals patching up roster for Toronto, image among fans
The Kansas City Royals are busy patching up a roster decimated by players barred from traveling to Toronto because of their COVID-19 vaccination status while trying to heal their damaged image among fans.
LEADING OFF: Royals down 10 unvaccinated players in Toronto
The Royals will be without 10 of the 26 players on their active roster for their upcoming trip to Toronto due to Canadian restrictions on travelers who arenโt vaccinated against COVID-19.
Pasquantino hits unusual 1st MLB homer, Royals beat Tigers
Vinnie Pasquantino hit his first major league home run and Hunter Dozier followed with a drive into the bullpen, leading Brad Keller and the Kansas City Royals over the Detroit Tigers 3-1.
Royals' bats awaken in 8-4 win over Blue Jays to avoid sweep
MJ Melendez and Emmanuel Rivera drove in two runs apiece, leading Brady Singer and the Kansas City Royals over the Toronto Blue Jays 8-4 to end a three-game losing streak.
Remarkable rookie Kwan delivers again, Guardians beat Royals
Steven Kwan kept up an historic start to his big league career with a bases-loaded triple, Oscar Mercado added a two-run homer and the Cleveland Guardians beat Kansas City 10-7 to split their season-opening series.
Witt's dazzling play in 10th helps Royals top Guardians 1-0
Prized rookie Bobby Witt Jr. made an eye-popping play at third base to nail a runner at the plate in the top of the 10th inning, then Adalberto Mondesiโs RBI single in the bottom half lifted the Kansas City Royals over the Cleveland Guardians 1-0.
![Perez breaks Bench's home run record; Royals sweep Indians](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/twVNbDKRFV0SuEXRJG0UN7K7OyM=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/46HRFF2R2ZC77CYYQ4J3R5X34I.jpg)
Perez breaks Bench's home run record; Royals sweep Indians
Salvador Perez hit his 46th home run, breaking Johnny Benchโs record for most by a catcher in a season to highlight the opener, then the Kansas City Royals completed a doubleheader sweep by beating the Cleveland Indians 4-2.
![Former OF Gose flashes 100 mph heat for Indians, fans Perez](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/CIu0P8a5cBNX99TrTusQO6NmmYE=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/YYS7HCGKJNHRDPDQRNZHDOPIPM.jpg)
Former OF Gose flashes 100 mph heat for Indians, fans Perez
Formerly a fleet outfielder, Anthony Gose returned to the majors five years later Monday night as a rocket-armed reliever for the Cleveland Indians, flashing 100 mph heat and finishing his outing by fanning Royals slugger Salvador Perez.
![Cole's strikeouts, spin rate down, Royals rally past Yanks](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/sV-F1MCIZQv1fikVr9abbWA01EU=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ZCNCIK4GWBGRXJKWUTGGE6OZBY.jpg)
Cole's strikeouts, spin rate down, Royals rally past Yanks
Gerrit Coleโs strikeouts and spin rate dropped as he pitched for the first time since Major League Baseballโs crackdown on sticky substances, and the Kansas City Royals rallied off Jonathan Loiasiga for four runs in the eighth inning to beat the New York Yankees 6-5.
![Rays' 11-game win streak ends, fall to Keller, Royals 2-1](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/uNT68DZrAi6MLOC3NdXVJO1YBLU=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/DGAMWN4BNFG6ZPZREEMBAIQQKY.jpg)
Rays' 11-game win streak ends, fall to Keller, Royals 2-1
The Tampa Bay Raysโ 11-game winning streak came to an end when Brad Keller pitched seven strong innings and Salvador Perez hit a tiebreaking RBI single to give the Kansas City Royals a 2-1 victory.
![Abreu, Dozier collide, Royals and Chisox split doubleheader](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/1qHZG2e8EMwSsKRg3D5DLC1B_HY=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/LC4WWB3Z3RHEJC375JUSL73QL4.jpg)
Abreu, Dozier collide, Royals and Chisox split doubleheader
Rookie Andrew Vaughn, starting the nightcap at first base after AL MVP Jose Abreu was injured in a frightening collision in the first game, homered to send the Chicago White Sox over the Kansas City Royals 3-1 for a doubleheader split.
![Abreu, Dozier hurt in collision, leave White Sox-Royals game](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/w0igpnhDc05Z2GgSygPHv108e-E=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65):fill(FFF)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/FFIRDY6WYRCMDNH7OSZZJLN4HY.jpg)
Abreu, Dozier hurt in collision, leave White Sox-Royals game
Chicago White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu and Kansas City third baseman Hunter Dozier were injured after colliding hard on the first base line in the opener of a doubleheader Friday.
![LEADING OFF: Braves-Nats wait to play, Rangers welcome fans](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/_wq_dcH7iEme0j_iTFPo-qIeOLM=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/FISHDT3J5ZELXIIDUZR6EW7BBI.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Braves-Nats wait to play, Rangers welcome fans
The Nationals and Atlanta Braves hadnโt heard by Sunday evening whether Major League Baseball will allow their game while Washington deals with a COVID-19 outbreak that could prevent 11 players from participating.
![Royals give Pรฉrez 4-year, $82M deal; richest in team history](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/WFWZ73p_ATXfeyHyfo4NU9ZeCrc=/2048x1365/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/AX7ZXWU62VC77OGEV4XJOVTBVA.jpg)
Royals give Pรฉrez 4-year, $82M deal; richest in team history
FILE - In this Thursday, Sept. 24, 2020 file photo, Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez celebrates with third base coach Vance Wilson after hitting a three-run home run during the first inning of the team's baseball game against the Detroit Tigers in Kansas City, Mo. The Kansas City Royals have given six-time All-Star catcher Salvador Prez the richest contract in club history, a four-year, $82 million deal that begins in 2022. Kansas City announced Sunday, March 21, 2021 it had extended Prez's time with the team. That's when the Royals gave the six-time All-Star catcher a four-year, $82 million deal โ the richest in club history โ that will begin after his current contract in 2022. The value of the new deal surpasses the four-year, $72 million contract the Royals gave outfielder Alex Gordon in 2016.
![Yanks star Stanton off to strong start after smashing finish](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/4F1Ncc8gUYn4HM9w48gmbpC1XR4=/2048x1365/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/W3M4SYO3JJH4RHFDSFNBW4AJ7Q.jpg)
Yanks star Stanton off to strong start after smashing finish
Trevor Williams went five innings in his fourth start, allowing a run on three hits. Austin Gomber made his fourth start for Colorado, allowing two runs on three hits, striking out four in 4 1/3 innings. Dylan Cease made his second start, allowing three hits and three walks in 3 2/3 scoreless innings. Matthew Boyd made his fourth start, allowing one run on four hits and a walk in four innings, striking out five. Tyler Anderson went five innings in his fourth start for Pittsburgh, giving up one run on two hits.
![Royals make official Dozier deal for $25 million, four years](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/wFhZAySilE_KAZlX0Zj3fjdrEmQ=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/W4IFDB5Z3VABZBILZLMDGFUL4Q.jpg)
Royals make official Dozier deal for $25 million, four years
โ The Royals made official their $25 million, four-year contract with third baseman Hunter Dozier on Monday, ensuring that another member of their young foundation is under club control for the foreseeable future. And we want that to happen in Kansas City.โAdDozier's deal replaces a $2.72 million, one-year contract he agreed to on Dec. 2. He gets a $1 million signing bonus and will earn $2.25 million this year, $4.5 million in 2022, $7.25 million in 2023 and $9 million in 2024. The Royals have a $10 million option for 2025 with a $1 million buyout. AdโHunter is willing to do whatever is necessary to help the team win,โ Moore added.
![AP source: Royals, Dozier agree to $25M, 4-year deal](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/dCQ9ryaTBqWBLFzLP3Wd6TzxmJE=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/2GVOLWBIGZHXDNOXBATCN5OZNA.jpg)
AP source: Royals, Dozier agree to $25M, 4-year deal
AdStill, the Royals believe Dozier will revert to form with a full spring training and 162-game season. โI definitely don't think you throw it away,โ he said. So I'm definitely looking forward to a normal season.โDozier is also looking forward to a consistent spot in the everyday lineup. AdGiven his relatively bumpy road to this point, Dozier โ and evidently the Royals โ believe his best is yet to come. But I definitely think there is another level.
![Royals, 1B Carlos Santana agree to $17 million, 2-year deal](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/nKoDxmdgLpedu8Hmu3OXpIIMpJ4=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/AMWU7CIFUFFXFB53HMACBWBZTE.jpg)
Royals, 1B Carlos Santana agree to $17 million, 2-year deal
โ The Kansas City Royals and veteran first baseman Carlos Santana have agreed to a $17 million, two-year contract that plugs one of their biggest offensive holes while providing some clubhouse leadership for a rebuilding club. The 34-year-old Santana was an All-Star two years ago in Cleveland, when he hit a career-best .281 with 34 homers and 93 RBIs. Santana has hit .288 with 31 homers and 93 RBIs in 151 career games against them, the best of any team in the division. Relief pitcher Mike Minor signed an $18 million, two-year deal and outfielder Michael Taylor a $1.75 million deal for next season, and nearly all their arbitration-eligible players are under contract. That includes an $8.05 million contract for slugger Jorge Soler and a $3.35 million deal for staff ace Brad Keller.
![Schwarber, Bradley, Duvall among 59 cut in pandemic fallout](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/HlzftS-NcnRm1dtpUO8r9VuV-Lk=/1600x1141/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/CFC3ESHM2BFY5PW7FBDUMDLR6Y.jpg)
Schwarber, Bradley, Duvall among 59 cut in pandemic fallout
The total cut was one more than the previous high at the tender deadline, ahead of the 2004 season. Schwarber earned $2,596,296 in prorated pay from his $7.01 million salary last season but hit .188 with 11 homers in 59 games, down from 38 homers, 92 RBIs and a .250 batting average in 155 games in 2019. Schwarber returned from a serious knee injury and hit .412 with two RBIs in the 2016 World Series as the Cubs won their first championship since 1908. Fifty-nine players agreed to one-year contracts ahead of the deadline, many of them facing a threat of being cut. Minnesota reached deals with five players, including pitcher Josรฉ Berrรญos ($500,000 signing bonus plus $5.6 million salary) and center fielder Byron Buxton ($5,125,000).
![Opening day amid virus: Masked men, empty parks, odd sounds](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/Bb_vl0f2AGbQPRfngA4i3dfdbRg=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/5YKFKIKBOVFY3MV4GC2HCCLT2U.jpg)
Opening day amid virus: Masked men, empty parks, odd sounds
DHs in the National League, well, OK. An automatic runner on second to start the 10th inning? If this is what its going to be, this is whats going to be, Scherzer said. Four months after the games were supposed to start, strange ball is better than no ball, right? Opening day brings a tasty doubleheader: a marquee pitching matchup in Washington, followed by the nightcap at Dodger Stadium when Clayton Kershaw taking on the San Francisco Giants. Is it going to be perfect the very first day? As manager Bob Melvin said.
![Royals' Dozier tests positive for COVID-19 before exhibition](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/tvnUsOREpKIsC_qiTJrEaxQGc9A=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/7YKO5GAB6NF6DGOR6VNJ2ZEWMU.jpg)
Royals' Dozier tests positive for COVID-19 before exhibition
Kansas City Royals' Hunter Dozier bats during the first inning of an exhibition baseball game against the Houston Astros in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, July 20, 2020. Kansas City Royals outfielder Hunter Dozier has tested positive for COVID-19 and was placed on the injured list before the club played its final exhibition game against the Cardinals in St. Louis on Wednesday. And it still snuck up on them.The positive test leaves Matheny with another hole to fill in his starting lineup. Ryan McBroom, who made his big league debut last season, will likely start at first base with O'Hearn sidelined by the virus. Danny Duffy will start opening day against Cleveland and rookie Brady Singer will make his big league debut on Saturday.