Caught in lockout limbo, Yankees star Aaron Judge, Red Sox ace Chris Sale, Braves slugger Adam Duvall and other players are doing their best to stay loose.

The Kansas City Royals have the best record in baseball — and an identity that should be pretty familiar by now.

Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker (12) kneels for social justice with players before a baseball game against the Seattle Mariners Friday, July 24, 2020, in Houston. The 71-year-old Baker posted a victory in his 3,500th regular-season game as a manager. Houston tied it at 2 on an RBI single by Altuve that chased starter Marco Gonzales (0-1). Martn Maldonado tied it with an RBI single in the Houston third an added an RBI with a single in the sixth. Hell be opposed by Seattle RHP Taijuan Walker, who appeared in just one game last season after having Tommy John surgery in 2018.

Boston ace Chris Sale will start this season in the same place he ended 2019: on the injured list. Ryan Mountcastle, a 23-year-old prospect, went 3 for 3 with two doubles, a home run and three RBIs. PHILLIES 12, RED SOX 5Scott Kingery had three RBIs, including a two-run homer, and Alec Bohm added two RBIs. Detroit starter Jordan Zimmermann allowed four runs on five hits and struck out three over 2 2/3 innings. Pete Alonso doubled for the Mets, and Rick Porcello pitched two scoreless innings in his second start with his new team.