Salvador Perez hits grand slam, drives in 6 as Royals sweep Guardians, close within 1 in AL Central
Salvador Perez hit a grand slam and drove in a career-high six runs as the Kansas City Royals completed a doubleheader sweep of Cleveland, beating the Guardians 9-4 to pull within one game of first in the AL Central.
'Hey, can I play with you guys?' Royals' Salvador Perez joins kids for a Wiffle ball game
Royals catcher Salvador Perez spent part of his day off playing an impromptu game of Wiffle ball with a bunch of kids in Kansas City, Kansas.
Pirates' Skenes an All-Star just 8 weeks after debut, and 7 Phillies are picked for July 16 game
Pittsburgh pitcher Paul Skenes was picked for the All-Star Game just eight weeks after his debut, and major league-leading Philadelphia had a big league-high seven selections.
Being an MLB catcher is grueling work. That's not slowing this year's best on offense
Catchers are finding a way to contribute as much at the plate as behind it while withstanding the challenges that come from playing the gameโs most taxing position.
Contreras' injury highlights the danger of big league catchers moving closer to home plate
When Willson Contreras was struck on his left arm by a swing, it was felt by former and current catchers all over the major leagues.
Royals pitcher Yarbrough starting for KC for 1st time since being struck by line drive in face
Kansas City Royals pitcher Ryan Yarbrough is returning to the mound to start against Cleveland in his first major league game since the left-hander was hit in the face by a line drive two months ago.
Luis Robert Jr. and Pete Alonso lead the field for baseball's Home Run Derby in Seattle
Chicago White Sox All-Star Luis Robert Jr. and two-time champion Pete Alonso of the New York Mets are set to participate in baseballโs Home Run Derby in Seattle.
Royals turn to Matt Quatraro to turn around languishing club
The Kansas City Royals had qualified candidates to become their next manager already within the organization, including one hired by the Chicago White Sox just this week.
Judge hits grand slam for 41st HR, Yanks rally past Royals
Aaron Judge became the first big leaguer with 40 homers this season, smashed a grand slam for No. 41 and robbed a home run in right field as the New York Yankees rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 11-5.
Judge's 3rd walk-off HR of year lifts Yanks over Royals 1-0
Aaron Judge hit his third walk-off homer this year, his major league-leading 39th home run of the season, to lift the New York Yankees over the Kansas City Royals 1-0.
Mets plan deGrom return next week after latest rehab start
Mets ace Jacob deGrom pitched four innings Wednesday for Triple-A Syracuse, finishing strong after a shaky start in what is expected to be his last minor league rehab outing before rejoining New Yorkโs rotation.
Ohtani strikes out career-high 13 in Angels' 5-0 win over KC
Shohei Ohtani struck out a career-high 13 over eight dominant innings of two-hit ball, and the AL MVP also reached base three times in the Los Angeles Angelsโ 5-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals.
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.
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.
![Turner, Gurriel win batting titles in boom-and-bust season](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/826AwPcVNHu9xBc-Obo-dHfYLdM=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/ZNGFU4CEWNB3RCODZBP7CSCAZA.jpg)
Turner, Gurriel win batting titles in boom-and-bust season
Trea Turner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Houstonโs Yuli Gurriel won their first batting titles in a season of boom and bust that saw four teams lose 100 games for only the third time, and four 90-game winners in the AL East alone.
![Indians beat Royals in last home game before name change](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/aPw_397bZZNNE-Y1vDqDF9EZz9k=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/TQMCP4LUQFDNVFZJLRNLNPGEYU.jpg)
Indians beat Royals in last home game before name change
The Cleveland Indians won their last home game before they become the Guardians, beating the Kansas City Royals 8-3 to close a run that started in 1915 and will continue in 2022 with a new identity.
![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.
![LEADING OFF: Ohtani returns to mound, Jays' Berrรญos vs Twins](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/zcog4aR8UrwOgrvkHkn4uAXLECk=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/PRFRDQG6WZHFNGF3JDRYHH22VM.jpg)
LEADING OFF: Ohtani returns to mound, Jays' Berrรญos vs Twins
Shohei Ohtani is set to pitch for the Angels against Oakland on Sunday a few days after manager Joe Maddon contemplated shutting down the two-way star with arm soreness.
![Royals' Perez ties Bench's HR mark with 45th in loss to A's](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/5k7BjHeNdhygMcNckBPWtnUNhtU=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/YLZXLBUI7NDN7P4XSOCAJ4RMBI.jpg)
Royals' Perez ties Bench's HR mark with 45th in loss to A's
Salvador Perez tied Johnny Benchโs record for homers in a season by a catcher with his 45th, but Chad Pinderโs two-run single spurred a third-inning rally and the Oakland Athletics held off the Kansas City Royals 7-2.
![Jays beat Yanks for 8th straight, 1/2 game back in wild card](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/bqD1LNc_iSGUyG4IQmGPX99iphg=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/63KXMNIT2ND5PLMB3TRTJKOLB4.jpg)
Jays beat Yanks for 8th straight, 1/2 game back in wild card
Bo Bichette thumped a leadoff homer in the first inning and singled in the tiebreaking run in the seventh, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit his 42nd homer, and the Toronto Blue Jays held off the skidding New York Yankees 6-4 for their eighth straight win.
![Ohtani hits MLB-high 43rd HR, Suarez CG as Angels beat Texas](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/Qh2h7mAHrGy_CAwyxaakhSkgzBg=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/DS37ET2ZNVAEHIHZQT2UWGQG2Q.jpg)
Ohtani hits MLB-high 43rd HR, Suarez CG as Angels beat Texas
Shohei Ohtani hit his major league-leading 43rd home run and Jose Suarez pitched a five-hitter, leading the Los Angeles Angels to a 4-1 win over the Texas Rangers.
![Yankees beats Royals 5-2 for 12th straight series against KC](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/xo_rak5XWucVNFpKboDI1e83Cvo=/800x533/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/JDLSZXNKDZAQRGTOSGNQHKWYGI.jpg)
Yankees beats Royals 5-2 for 12th straight series against KC
Luke Voit had a two-run single in the first inning and the New York Yankees beat Kansas City 5-2 on Wednesday for their 12th straight series victory over the Royals.
![Pรฉrez joins Ohtani, Mancini, Alonso, Story in Home Run Derby](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/geC6WLQebieKuh-zDjkx61PseJY=/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/FNQFR63H2NH5HBFNSAHTTMIFYM.jpg)
Pรฉrez joins Ohtani, Mancini, Alonso, Story in Home Run Derby
Kansas City catcher Salvador Pรฉrez will join Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels, Trey Mancini of the Baltimore Orioles, Pete Alonso of the New York Mets and Trevor Story of the Colorado Rockies in the All-Star Home Run Derby at Denverโs Coors Field on July 12.
![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.
![LEADING OFF: D-backs keep pitching amid no-hitter debate](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/FMrrjPmIOYkftgR50zHNlk8D5iE=/800x590/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/KPFN6ABENZDJ7HVJCJ7TC7WCGI.jpg)
LEADING OFF: D-backs keep pitching amid no-hitter debate
Merrill Kelly starts for the Arizona Diamondbacks when they host Fernando Tatis Jr. and the Padres following a dominant pitching performance in a doubleheader at Atlanta.
![Full of surprises: Royals own best AL record, sweep Tigers](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/S-nJsZmb-3JHm60GMdKuKiG9quc=/800x628/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/DMXEFD5IDVBINJ3YSCOF6BQCE4.jpg)
Full of surprises: Royals own best AL record, sweep Tigers
Jarrod Dyson doubled and scored the go-ahead run in the fifth inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 3-2 to complete a four-game sweep on the road for the first time in nearly 22 years.
![Costume Designers Guild to honor Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/_gfhG2EexQs--KYB1VBXbfpIgL4=/1600x1063/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/6WCTBMJQNNEOXK7N52WMFH7XEY.jpg)
Costume Designers Guild to honor Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers
Television producers Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers will be honored for their wardrobe efforts on hit TV shows like โGreyโs Anatomyโ and โBridgertonโ at Tuesday's Costume Designers Guild Awards.
![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.
![Freeman among trio of Braves on All-MLB first team](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/jvYlF96mSROn7N0_7JfNdHbF8Ig=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/NAM3VERJNNAR7BEWYOIC7BIK6M.jpg)
Freeman among trio of Braves on All-MLB first team
Freeman easily won the NL MVP award Thursday, Nov. 12, topping off a trying year that saw him become so ill with COVID-19 he prayed please dont take me. (AP Photo/Eric Gay, File)NEW YORK โ National League MVP Freddie Freeman was one of three Atlanta Braves selected to the All-MLB first team on Wednesday night. San Diego had two players on the top team: shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. and third baseman Manny Machado. AL MVP Josรฉ Abreu of the Chicago White Sox was the first baseman on the second team, which also included Philadelphia catcher J.T. Realmuto, Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe, Dodgers shortstop Corey Seager and Indians third baseman Josรฉ Ramรญrez.
![After beating cancer, KC's Hill won't let COVID-19 stop him](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/d8o7Dw717UeAJUs4UOwMDNVs0zw=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/GH44F6WKU5H7JNOLJVXEBLHBDM.jpg)
After beating cancer, KC's Hill won't let COVID-19 stop him
Not long ago, Royals pitcher Tim Hill was wrapping up eight brutal months of chemotherapy to treat colon cancer. The biopsy came back positive for colon cancer, the same disease that claimed his father when Hill was just 17 years old. With the support of the Royals, Hill began to build back his strength. Those factors left Hill wondering whether he should step on the field when baseball resumed or stick to the sideline, knowing they increased the risk of complications should he contract COVID-19. Some of it seems over-the-top when you first look at it, but when you start seeing people test positive, you see maybe it's necessary.
![Yankees closer Chapman has COVID-19, mild symptoms](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/e55E9LZrzxZWCM-9H4oesIv4MME=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/gmg/VPIPTZRP3BCUFE3AWVZRRK4R5Q.jpg)
Yankees closer Chapman has COVID-19, mild symptoms
NEW YORK Yankees closer Aroldis Chapman has tested positive for the coronavirus and is experiencing mild symptoms. Chapman threw a bullpen session Tuesday, and Boone wouldn't comment on whether the left-hander had been at Yankee Stadium since. We adhere to all the contact tracing things. The list now includes the 32-year-old Chapman, a six-time All-Star with 273 career saves, including 37 last season when he had a 2.21 ERA. Britton has been an elite closer in this game for a long time," Boone said.
![Judge, Stanton likely to start on IL; Sale's elbow hurting](https://www.wsls.com/resizer/oQzTHRFzr4rHFLAh9DnfgRfMTSg=/1600x1066/smart/filters:format(jpeg):strip_exif(true):strip_icc(true):no_upscale(true):quality(65)/arc-anglerfish-arc2-prod-gmg.s3.amazonaws.com/public/QIV4FAAGVFGFTHEMQUYWLLVHFU.jpg)
Judge, Stanton likely to start on IL; Sale's elbow hurting
Injured outfielders Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton are likely to miss the New York Yankees' opener at Baltimore on March 26. ANGELS 11, INDIANS 7Michael Hermosillo had a three-run homer and RBI single for the Angels. RANGERS 6, GIANTS 5Wilmer Flores hit his first home run and Buster Posey added an RBI single for San Francisco. Ian Happ led off the game with a home run and added an RBI single. Willson Contreras had a two-run single for Chicago.