WHIT MERRIFIELD

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — (AP) — Wander Franco had three RBIs, Jonathan Aranda homered and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Toronto Blue Jays 10-5 on Thursday night in the opener of a big four-game series between playoff contenders. José Berríos (11-6) was tagged for six runs and seven hits in two innings. Manuel Margot’s infield RBI single, and run-scoring hits by Franco and Arozarena put the Rays up 6-3 in the second. One out later, Merrifield tied it at 3 with his solo shot, giving him seven hits, including two homers, in nine at-bats against the left-hander. Yarbrough left in the third with right side discomfort.

Wander Franco had three RBIs, Jonathan Aranda homered and the Tampa Bay Rays beat the Toronto Blue Jays 10-5 in the opener of a big four-game series between playoff contenders.

Mike Trout hit a two-run home run to become the highest-scoring player in Angels history, Reid Detmers and four relievers combined on a six-hitter, and Los Angeles halted a six-game losing streak by routing the Toronto Blue Jays 12-0 on Friday night. Jo Adell hit two home runs, Andrew Velasquez had a two-run blast, and Shohei Ohtani hit a two-run triple for the Angels, who came in having lost nine of 10. Trout scored his 1,025th run with the Angels with his 27th homer off left-hander Yusei Kikuchi in the eighth.

Andrew Benintendi hit a tiebreaking, two-run homer in the seventh inning and the New York Yankees got a win they desperately needed, beating the Toronto Blue Jays 4-2 to avoid a four-game sweep.

APTOPIX Blue Jays Twins Baseball Minnesota Twins catcher Gary Sanchez tags out Toronto Blue Jays' Whit Merrifield who tags from third on a sacrifice fly by Cavan Biggio in the tenth inning of a baseball game Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022, in Minneapolis. The play was overturned on review due to the catcher blocking the plate and the Blue Jays won 3-2 in 10. After scoring two early runs, the Blue Jays stifled a late Twins' comeback. Blue Jays starter Kevin Gausman pitched six scoreless innings, allowing six hits and striking out five. Twins: Minnesota has Monday off before a starting a two-game interleague series in Los Angeles against the Dodgers on Tuesday.

The Blue Jays defeated the Twins 3-2 in ten innings. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)Minnesota Twins manager Rocco Baldelli was furious with the officiating crew that oversaw their 3-2 loss to the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday afternoon. Baldelli was ejected in the top of the 10th after erupting after the umpires said that Twins catcher Gary Sanchez blocked the plate during a play at home that eventually gave the Blue Jays the win. Merrifield collided with Sanchez at the plate, and was initially called out — something that would have ended the inning. The Blue Jays walked away with the 3-2 win, which officially splits their four-game series against the Twins.

APTOPIX Blue Jays Twins Baseball Minnesota Twins catcher Gary Sanchez tags out Toronto Blue Jays' Whit Merrifield who tags from third on a sacrifice fly by Cavan Biggio in the tenth inning of a baseball game Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022, in Minneapolis. The play was overturned on review due to the catcher blocking the plate and the Blue Jays won 3-2 in 10. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn) (Bruce Kluckhohn)MINNEAPOLIS — (AP) — Cavan Biggio hit a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning and Whit Merrifield scored on an overturned call to lead the Blue Jays to a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins Sunday. After scoring two early runs, the Blue Jays stifled a late Twins' comeback. Twins: Minnesota has Monday off before a starting a two-game interleague series in Los Angeles against the Dodgers on Tuesday.

Cavan Biggio hit a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning and Whit Merrifield scored on an overturned call to lead the Blue Jays to a 3-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins and split the four-game series.

Blue Jays Twins Baseball Toronto Blue Jays' Whit Merrifield rounds third and scores from second base against the Minnesota Twins on a two-run single by George Springer during the eighth inning of a baseball game Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn) (Bruce Kluckhohn)MINNEAPOLIS — (AP) — The Toronto Blue Jays placed All-Star outfielder George Springer on the 10-day injured list with inflammation in his right elbow prior to their game at Minnesota on Saturday night. Springer has been bothered by the elbow for much of the summer. Springer missed four of the previous five games with the injury, going 1 for 4 against the Twins on Thursday night. The Blue Jays also optioned right-handed reliever Trent Thornton to Triple-A to make room for right-hander Mitch White, who was recalled to start the game in Minnesota in his Blue Jays debut.

The Toronto Blue Jays placed All-Star outfielder George Springer on the 10-day injured list with inflammation in his right elbow.

Royals White Sox Baseball Kansas City Royals' Whit Merrifield celebrate in the dugout his home run off Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Michael Kopech during the sixth inning of a baseball game Monday, Aug. 1, 2022, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast) (Charles Rex Arbogast)MINNEAPOLIS — (AP) — Whit Merrifield said Thursday he is vaccinated for COVID-19 and will be cleared to play for Toronto when the Blue Jays return to Canada. Merrifield was acquired in a trade with Kansas City on Tuesday for two minor leaguers. Merrifield was among 10 players on the Royals who were unvaccinated last month, preventing them from making their trip to Toronto. Toronto manager John Schneider said Merrifield will play almost every day in a variety of positions, most likely second base and center.

Whit Merrifield says he is vaccinated for COVID-19 and will be cleared to play for Toronto when the Blue Jays return to Canada.

But overall, this is a positive change for the 29-year-old’s fantasy value. True to form, the 33-year-old has an unimpressive .643 OPS this year but has saved his fantasy value by swiping 15 bases. 1 catcher but is unlikely to keep the heavy workload he had in Boston and therefore loses some fantasy value from this trade. Thor has been mostly a league-average pitcher in fantasy leagues during recent seasons, posting respectable ratios and a poor strikeout rate this year. For this reason, I see this trade as a slight downturn in Syndergaard's fantasy value.

When Juan Soto turned down a $440 million, 15-year deal to stay with the Washington Nationals, it ensured Tuesday’s trade deadline would have a little juice.

As the only MLB team located in Canada, the Toronto Blue Jays have by far the toughest constraints. That means any upgrades for the Blue Jays — who are right in the middle of the American League playoff race — will almost certainly have to be vaccinated. Unless all those unvaccinated players change their minds, it sure seems like a home-field advantage for the Blue Jays. The Blue Jays are on track to make the postseason, so theoretically, the road to a World Series title could go through Canada. Of course, there's also a chance the Blue Jays fall out of the playoff race and none of the immediate doomsday scenarios come into play.

The Major League Baseball trade deadline is always a stressful time of year for the league's 30 general managers.

Royals Yankees Baseball New York Yankees' Aaron Judge hits a two-run home run during the second inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Saturday, July 30, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) (Mary Altaffer)NEW YORK — (AP) — Aaron Judge became the second-fastest player in major league history to reach 200 career home runs, and the New York Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals 8-2 on Saturday. The American League-leading Yankees have won seven straight against the Royals and 10 of the last 11. After hitting just one homer in his first 13 games, Judge has connected for 36 over his last 79 games and is on pace to surpass Roger Maris’ club record of 61, set in 1961. Schmidt worked the final three for his second career save.

Aaron Judge became the second-fastest player in major league history to reach 200 career home runs, and the New York Yankees beat the Kansas City Royals 8-2.

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.

Texas Rangers v Kansas City Royals KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - JUNE 28: Whit Merrifield #15 of the Kansas City Royals celebrates with teammates after scoring the first run against the Texas Rangers during the third inning at Kauffman Stadium on June 28, 2022 in Kansas City, Missouri. That's the only reason that I would think about getting it at this point, is to go to Canada. And as I communicated with Whit about that, he made it very clear he was sorry for how that came out. I'm not going to kick him when he's down, because I do know what Whit Merrifield has meant to our team, the great work he does in this community and I just think it was a very poor choice of words. Funnily enough, the Royals then won their first game against the Blue Jays 3-1, despite featuring five Triple-A players and three Double-A players on their roster.

Tigers Royals Baseball Kansas City Royals' Andrew Benintendi slides across home plate to score against the Detroit Tigers during the eighth inning of a baseball game, Tuesday, July 12, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. — (AP) — The Kansas City Royals spent Thursday patching up a roster missing 10 players who were barred from traveling to Toronto because of their COVID-19 vaccination status while trying to smooth over their damaged image among fans. The Royals players will forfeit four days of pay and major league service time in accordance with the terms of MLB’s collective bargaining agreement. That means they will collectively lose $726,128 in salary, headlined by Benintendi losing $186,813, Merrifield losing $153,846, Keller losing $106,044 and Dozier and Taylor losing $98,901 apiece. The moves leave Kansas City with two roster spots still available for this weekend.

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.

Canadian COVID-linked restrictions prohibit their entry. They say their teammates support them. One is sacrificing $186,000 in pay for the four games.

Guardians Royals Baseball Kansas City Royals' Whit Merrifield celebrates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians Friday, July 8, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. The team is set to play four games in Toronto. ALL-STAR SHOWDOWNBrewers right-hander Corbin Burnes (7-4, 2.20 ERA) will face Giants lefty Carlos Rodón (8-5, 2.70) in San Francisco before the pair team up on the NL All-Star roster next week. After sweeping a doubleheader Wednesday in Washington, the Mariners have won 10 straight for the first time since April 2002. Wright is 2-1 with a 6.27 ERA in five career games, including three starts, against the Nats.

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 aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19.

Tigers Royals Baseball Kansas City Royals' Whit Merrifield watches from the dugout during the second inning of the second game of a baseball doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers Monday, July 11, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. Today marked the first day Merrifield has missed playing after setting a Royals record of playing in 533 consecutive games. — (AP) — The Kansas City 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 aren't vaccinated against COVID-19. Among the others, the lost pay for Gallagher will be $19,451, Singer $15,962, Isbel $15,426, Coleman $15,399 and Melendez $15,385. The club will name their replacements Thursday, along with an announcement about other staff who won’t be traveling with the club.

The Kansas City 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 aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19.

Kansas City Royals v Houston Astros HOUSTON, TEXAS - JULY 06: Andrew Benintendi #16 of the Kansas City Royals talks to Whit Merrifield #15 of the Kansas City Royals during the game against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on July 06, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Logan Riely/Getty Images)The Kansas City Royals are headed to Toronto to face the Blue Jays this weekend, though calling the team they'll be fielding the Royals may be a bit charitable. A whopping 10 players on the Royals' roster are not vaccinated against COVID-19 and will not be able to enter Canada for the Blue Jays series, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. It should be mentioned that the U.S. has a similar policy, hence all non-U.S. citizens on the Blue Jays must be vaccinated to play any road series. Who are the Royals losing against the Blue Jays?

Guardians Royals Baseball Kansas City Royals' Whit Merrifield celebrates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run during the eighth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Guardians Friday, July 8, 2022, in Kansas City, Mo. — (AP) — Royals infielder Whit Merrifield's streak of playing in a franchise-record 553 straight games ended Monday when he missed the opener of a doubleheader against Detroit because of a toe injury. Merrifield's string dated to June 24, 2018, and was the longest active streak in the majors. “It’s been a great run for Whit,” Kansas City manager Mike Matheny said. Cal Ripken Jr. holds the all-time record of playing 2,632 straight games.

Royals infielder Whit Merrifield’s streak of playing in a franchise-record 553 straight games ended when he missed the opener of a doubleheader against Detroit because of a toe injury.

Now that the full Major League Baseball All-Star squads have been announced, look for the rosters to start changing.

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.

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 Angels’ 5-0 victory over the Kansas City Royals.

Shohei Ohtani hit two three-run homers and drove in a career-high eight runs, but Whit Merrifield led off the 11th inning with an RBI double in the Kansas City Royals’ 12-11 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

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.

Astros Nationals Baseball Houston Astros' Jose Altuve celebrates after his home run during the first inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals, Friday, May 13, 2022, in Washington. Altuve homered on the first pitch of the game Friday night as the Astros won their 11th in a row, beating Washington 6-1. Houston, which began play in 1962 as a National League expansion team called the Colt .45s, has won 12 straight three times — in 1999, 2004 and 2018. Acting manager Ryan Christenson said he could get some occasional starts at second base and designated hitter. AILING ACEDodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw is out with inflammation in a pelvic joint, the seventh straight season he's gone on the injured list.

Jose Altuve and the Houston Astros try for their 12th straight win Saturday, which would tie the team record.

The Padres plan to use the 39-year-old Canó as a left-handed bat off the bench. “I know I can still play this game and just go out on top.”The Mets owe Canó nearly $45 million remaining on his original contract signed with Seattle. Canó hit .195 with one home run and three RBIs in 43 plate appearances for the NL East-leading Mets. AILING ACEDodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw is out with inflammation in a pelvic joint, the seventh straight season he's gone on the injured list. Merrifield has played six positions during the stretch: first base, second base, left field, center field, right field and DH.

Robinson Canó has found another job in the majors, signing with San Diego less than a week after being released by the Mets.

Robinson Canó has found another job in the majors, signing with San Diego less than a week after being released by the Mets. The Padres plan to use the 39-year-old Canó as a left-handed bat off the bench. Acting manager Ryan Christenson said he could get some occasional starts at second base and designated hitter.

Bobby Witt Jr. hit his first major league home run, Brad Keller pitched shutout ball into the seventh inning and the Kansas City Royals beat the St. Louis Cardinals 7-1 to end a four-game losing streak.

Paul Goldschmidt hit an early home run and Steven Matz and the St. Louis bullpen made it stand up, leading the Cardinals over the Kansas City Royals 1-0.

Aaron Judge returned from a scheduled day off to homer twice and drive in the tying run as the Yankees rallied past the Royals 6-4 for their ninth straight win.

Albert Pujols homered for the first time since returning to St. Louis and Andrew Knizner hit a three-run shot as the Cardinals defeated the Kansas City Royals 6-5.

Bobby Witt Jr. capped his highly anticipated big league debut with his first hit, a go-ahead double with two outs in the eighth inning, sending the Kansas City Royals to a 3-1 victory over the rechristened Cleveland Guardians.

There are no more bargaining sessions on the calendar.

Baseball negotiations have resumed with new intensity in an effort to salvage opening day.

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.

Royals Twins Baseball Kansas City Royals Whit Merrifield (15) fist-bumps Hunter Dozier after Merrifield scored on a Andrew Benintendi sacrifice fly off Minnesota Twins pitcher Juan Minaya in the ninth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, Sept. 12, 2021, in Minneapolis. — (AP) — The Kansas City Royals are promoting general manager Dayton Moore to club president and elevating longtime assistant GM J.J. Picollo to fill his role, a person familiar with the front-office movements told The Associated Press on Tuesday. But there have been signs that another breakthrough is on the horizon as a wave of talented young pitchers continues to help Kansas City win games down the stretch this season. Picollo, who has interviewed for several GM jobs, has long been considered Moore's heir apparent. They worked together in Atlanta before coming to Kansas City, where Picollo rose from an area scout to assistant GM in charge of player personnel.

Royals Cubs Baseball Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic (50) throws against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Mark Black) (Mark Black)CHICAGO — (AP) — Kris Bubic carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago Cubs 4-2 on Saturday. Whit Merrifield had three hits and stole home as part of a double steal, helping Kansas City win for the fifth time in six games. Bubic (4-6) was working on a no-hitter when the game was delayed in the middle of the seventh because of an approaching storm. But Kansas City challenged that Chirinos didn’t allow Benintendi a path to the plate, and the call was overturned after review.

Kris Bubic carried a no-hitter into the seventh inning, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago Cubs 4-2.

Yankees Royals Baseball New York Yankees' DJ LeMahieu scores off an Aaron Judge single in the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021. — (AP) — 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. Chad Green (6-5) got the victory in relief as New York took two of three from Kansas City. The Royals scored their second run in the fifth. Royals RHP Brady Singer was reinstated from the 10-day Injured List.

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.

— (AP) — DJ LeMahieu led off the 11th inning with an RBI double and the New York Yankees, after blowing four late leads, finally held off the feisty Kansas City Royals 8-6 on Monday night. But the Royals, who tied the score in each of the previous four innings, refused to go down easily once again. Wandy Peralta earned his third major league save — the first two came with San Francisco earlier this season. Luke Voit, activated from the injured list Sunday, hit a go-ahead single in the seventh and a tiebreaking homer in the ninth for New York. Kansas City became the first team since 1900 to erase a deficit in the seventh, eighth, ninth and 10th innings of a game, according to STATS.

DJ LeMahieu led off the 11th inning with an RBI double and the New York Yankees, after blowing four late leads, finally held off the feisty Kansas City Royals 8-6.

Realmuto will take over for injured San Francisco catcher Buster Posey as the National League's starter in Tuesday's All-Star Game at Coors Field. Molina said later Saturday that he will also skip the All-Star Game to rest. Kansas City second baseman Whit Merrifield and Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson also earned selections from the players' ballot, replacing Houston second baseman José Altuve and shortstop Carlos Correa. New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom also said he was withdrawing from the All-Star Game, wanting to rest for the second half. MLB also added Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner to the NL roster, and Oakland pitcher Chris Bassitt and Tampa Bay second baseman Joey Wendle to the AL roster.

Realmuto will take over from injured San Francisco catcher Buster Posey as the National League's starter in Tuesday's All-Star Game at Coors Field. St. Louis catcher Yadier Molina earned his 10th All-Star selection, among 10 replacements announced Saturday by Major League Baseball. Kansas City second baseman Whit Merrifield and Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson also earned selections from the players' ballot, replacing Houston second baseman José Altuve and shortstop Carlos Correa. New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom also said he was withdrawing from the All-Star Game, wanting to rest for the second half. MLB also added Dodgers third baseman Justin Turner to the NL roster, and Oakland pitcher Chris Bassitt and Tampa Bay second baseman Joey Wendle to the AL roster.

Philadelphia’s J.

Gerrit Cole’s strikeouts and spin rate dropped as he pitched for the first time since Major League Baseball’s 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.

Rookie Trevor Larnach homered and Rob Refsnyder drove in two runs as the Minnesota Twins hung on to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5.

The streaking New York Mets anticipate an injury update on ace pitcher Jacob deGrom after he was scheduled for an MRI.

The streaking New York Mets anticipate an injury update Monday on ace pitcher Jacob deGrom after he was scheduled for an MRI.

Blue Jays Royals Baseball Kansas City Royals Whit Merrifield, left, steals a base behind Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Marcus Semien, right, during the first inning of a baseball game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Sunday, April 18, 2021. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner) (Orlin Wagner)Whit Merrifield made his big league debut for Kansas City in 2016, the season after the Royals won the World Series. Merrifield already has eight stolen bases, tied for the major league lead. As a team, Kansas City has 22 steals. But even if Kansas City eventually falls from its perch atop the AL Central, the Royals seem to be moving in the right direction — and quickly.

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

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.

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.

Scherzer will make his Nationals-record sixth opening day start April 1, facing the New York Mets in Washington. The original lineup released by Washington before the game featured a designated hitter; that was revised to include Scherzer batting for himself. DeGrom struck him out, part of his 4 2/3 scoreless innings with three hits and five Ks. YANKEES 8, BLUE JAYS 3Gerritt Cole struck out eight in five innings, allowing one run in his fourth spring start for New York. BRAVES 11, RAYS 1Atlanta starter Max Fried gave up three hits and struck out five over six innings.

The 2018 AL Rookie of the Year is off to a strong start this spring on both sides. PHILLIES 3, PIRATES 0Bryce Harper homered on his first swing of spring training, launching a opposite-field drive to left. Chad Kuhl made his second start for Pittsburgh, allowing two runs on three hits. Brad Keller worked three innings in the start for the Royals and allowed a run on four hits and two walks. BRAVES 4, TWINS 0 (7)Kyle Wright fared much better in his second start for Atlanta, allowing one hit in three shutout innings with two strikeouts.

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.