Cold Weather Forces Day Game Shift as Royals Face Guardians in Cleveland Series The Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians are set to clash in a pivotal series in Cleveland, Ohio, with the first game of the four-game set scheduled for Tuesday. However, the matchup has been moved from a night game to a day game due to unseasonably cold temperatures, which are expected to hover near freezing. The decision comes as a precautionary measure to ensure player safety and optimal conditions, with the Lake Effect snowfall making the region feel more like a harsh winter destination than a typical baseball venue. The Guardians, currently sitting at 6-4 in the American League Central, are the defending division champions and have shown resilience despite a slow start to the season. Their offense has struggled, with the team scoring one or fewer runs in six of their first ten games. Star player José Ramírez, who signed a seven-year, $115 million contract extension last winter, is off to a sluggish start, posting a .154/.214/.282 batting line. The team’s recent additions, including Rhys Hoskins—a 26-home-run hitter for the Brewers in 2024—have yet to fully materialize, as Hoskins missed significant time last year due to a thumb injury. David Fry, an All-Star in 2024, has also underperformed this season, hitting .206/.269/.392 in 120 games. On the other hand, the Royals, at 4-5, are looking to prove they can compete with the Guardians for a division title. Their offense has been inconsistent, with a team batting average of .234 and a reliance on power hitters. Rookie Chase DeLauter has been a bright spot, hitting .313/.343/.781 in his first nine MLB games, including five home runs. However, the team’s pitching staff has faced challenges, particularly with their bullpen.#cleveland_ohio #kansas_city_royals #cleveland_guardians #gavin_williams #jose_ramirez
Guardians Move Tuesday Game Start Time to 1:10 p.m. ET Due to Cold Weather The Cleveland Guardians have made the decision to adjust the start time of their Tuesday game against the Kansas City Royals, moving it from its original 6:10 p.m. ET slot to 1:10 p.m. ET in response to severe cold weather conditions forecasted for the Cleveland area. This change comes as a cold front sweeps through the region, prompting the team to prioritize the safety and comfort of both players and fans. The decision was announced on April 6, 2026, with the Weather Channel predicting potential flurries or snow showers and temperatures dropping into the mid-20s. The Guardians’ move to shift the game’s start time by five hours is part of a broader effort to mitigate the risks associated with extreme cold. Outdoor sporting events can face significant challenges during such conditions, including reduced visibility, icy surfaces, and the potential for hypothermia or frostbite among attendees. By rescheduling the game to an earlier slot, the team aims to ensure that all participants and spectators can enjoy the event in safer conditions. The series between the Guardians and the Royals begins on Monday with the first game scheduled for its usual 6:10 p.m. ET start time. However, the second game of the series, originally set for Tuesday, will now take place at 1:10 p.m. ET. This adjustment allows for a buffer period to address the weather-related concerns while maintaining the integrity of the schedule. Fans who purchased tickets for the Tuesday game will have the option to exchange them for another eligible Guardians home game, ensuring that they are not left without a valid ticket for the rescheduled event.#weather_channel #major_league_baseball #cleveland #kansas_city_royals #cleveland_guardians
Royals Host Brewers in Weekend Series The Kansas City Royals will host the Milwaukee Brewers at Kauffman Stadium this weekend for the first of a three-game interleague series between the two teams. The matchup, set for Saturday, April 4, 2026, marks an important early-season test for both clubs as they aim to position themselves for a playoff push in their respective leagues. The series will continue on Sunday, April 5, and Monday, April 6, with the Royals looking to bounce back from a challenging start to the season and the Brewers seeking to maintain their strong early-season performance. The Royals, members of the American League Central, are aiming to return to the postseason for the first time since their 2015 World Series championship. Their recent struggles have left them in a precarious position, and a strong showing against the Brewers could provide a much-needed boost. Meanwhile, the Brewers, part of the National League Central, are looking to build on their 2025 NL Central title. The Brewers’ success in the previous season has positioned them as a formidable contender, and this series offers an opportunity to solidify their dominance in the division. The series is part of a broader schedule that includes the Royals’ first three-game homestand of the season. The Brewers, who have been a consistent presence in the NL Central, will face a tough test in Kansas City, where the Royals have historically performed well. The teams’ rivalry is further intensified by their differing league affiliations, creating an intriguing matchup that could shape the early dynamics of the 2026 season. The first game of the series will take place on Saturday, April 4, with the Royals hoping to leverage their home-field advantage.#milwaukee_brewers #national_league_central #kansas_city_royals #kauffman_stadium #american_league_central
Brewers-Royals Game Postponed, Setting Up Saturday Doubleheader The scheduled opening game of the Milwaukee Brewers’ three-game series against the Kansas City Royals was postponed approximately 90 minutes before the originally planned first pitch on Friday night. The decision came amid persistent rain and the likelihood of continued storms throughout the evening, which posed a significant risk of field conditions becoming unplayable. The game was rescheduled as part of a doubleheader on Saturday, with the originally planned Friday night matchup moved to 1:10 p.m. local time and the Friday night game shifted to 6:10 p.m. at Kauffman Stadium. The postponement occurred even before the rain began to fall. At the time of the call, the Brewers were in the middle of batting practice, and stadium workers remained on standby near the tarps, prepared to deploy them onto the field the moment the team finished their session. This precautionary measure highlighted the urgency of the situation, as the weather forecast indicated a high probability of continued precipitation, which could have rendered the field unsuitable for play. The rescheduling of the doubleheader created a unique challenge for both teams, as the original Friday night game had been set to feature the Royals’ recently recalled pitcher Luinder Avila, who was scheduled to start against the Brewers’ Chad Patrick. Avila, a right-handed hurler from Triple-A Omaha, had been called up to bolster the Royals’ pitching staff for the matchup. However, the postponement meant that the Friday night game would now take place at 6:10 p.m., with the Saturday doubleheader featuring the originally planned Saturday game.#milwaukee_brewers #kansas_city_royals #chad_patterson #luinder_avila #kauffman_stadium
Royals Rookie’s Tardy Arrival Leads to Lineup Change in Series Finale The Kansas City Royals faced a setback in their opening series against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, as rookie catcher Carter Jensen was scratched from the starting lineup due to an oversleeping incident. The decision, made just before the first pitch of the game, forced veteran catcher Salvador Perez to return to the position less than 15 hours after he had played a nine-inning game the previous night. The game, which lasted 3 hours and 36 minutes, ended in a 5-1 loss for the Royals, dropping their season record to 3-3. Jensen, who is in his sixth game of his first full season with the Royals, was expected to bat fifth and serve as the starting catcher. However, manager Matt Quatraro revealed that the rookie had overslept and failed to arrive on time, prompting the team to remove him from the lineup. “Carter had an oversight,” Quatraro said after the game. “He overslept and wasn’t here on time, and we made the decision to scratch him from the lineup.” The absence of Jensen created a logistical challenge for the Royals. Perez, who had caught the entire game the night before, was pinch-run for by utility man Tyler Tolbert in the bottom of the eighth inning after reaching base on a fielder’s choice. This allowed Jensen to step in defensively for the ninth inning, though the decision to move Perez back to catcher was seen as a necessary adjustment given the team’s need for rest. Quatraro expressed disappointment over the situation but emphasized that it was an isolated incident. “He feels terrible,” the manager said, referring to Jensen. “And he’s accountable to it and it’s not something that has been a pattern or any of that kind of stuff. Nobody feels worse than he does, and I think he’ll admit to that.#kansas_city_royals #salvador_perez #carter_jensen #minnesota_twins #matt_quatraro
Royals' Carter Jensen: Scratched from Thursday's Lineup Carter Jensen was removed from the starting lineup for Thursday’s game against the Minnesota Twins, according to a report by MLB.com’s Anne Rogers. The decision came late in the preparation process, with no official explanation provided by the Kansas City Royals regarding the reason for his absence. The team has not disclosed whether Jensen is dealing with an injury or other factors affecting his availability. Further details about his status are expected to be released in the coming days. In Jensen’s absence, the Royals made adjustments to their batting order. Jac Caglianone, who had been playing right field, was moved into the designated-hitter spot, while Lane Thomas took over in right field. This shift highlights the team’s flexibility in managing its roster during the season. The move also underscores the importance of having depth in the lineup, particularly as the team navigates the challenges of maintaining consistency across its schedule. Jensen’s absence from the lineup comes amid a season marked by both highs and lows for the Royals. Earlier in the year, he contributed significantly to the team’s success, including a notable performance where he hit a home run in a victory over the Twins. His ability to deliver in key moments has made him a valuable asset to the roster. However, the decision to scratch him from Thursday’s game suggests that the team is prioritizing his long-term health and performance over short-term gains. The Royals’ approach to managing Jensen’s workload reflects a broader strategy of balancing immediate competition with player development. By moving Caglianone to the designated-hitter role, the team ensures that its offensive options remain dynamic, even in the face of unexpected challenges.#kansas_city_royals #carter_jensen #anne_rogers #minnesota_twins #jac_caglianone
The long winter has finally ended. Baseball is back. While the league laughed at the misfortunes of nearly half the teams yesterday—particularly the misfit centerfielder Oneil Cruz—the focus now shifts to the Kansas City Royals’ own challenges. Today’s game against the Atlanta Braves marks the start of the 2026 season, and the Royals’ Opening Day starter, Cole Ragans, faces a critical test. This will be his third consecutive Opening Day start, but he’s yet to secure a victory in such games. His last appearance in an Opening Day contest came in 2024, when he took the loss against Minnesota. Last year, he was sidelined by injury and struggled with a higher ERA, though advanced metrics suggest he pitched more effectively than his stats indicated when he was healthy. Fans will be watching closely to see if he can replicate that performance this season. Ragans, who has never faced Atlanta as a Royal, will encounter a formidable Braves lineup. The team features star power in Ronald Acuña Jr., Drake Baldwin, Matt Olson, and Austin Riley, but also includes players with inconsistent performances. Former Royals like Mike Yastrzemski may find themselves on the bench due to his split numbers. The Royals’ familiarity with Atlanta’s starter, Chris Sale, adds another layer of complexity. Sale, who previously pitched for the White Sox, has evolved into an elite pitcher again, making him a tough matchup for the Royals. The Royals’ Opening Day lineup includes four players who weren’t on the team at this time last year, including Maikel Garcia, who returns to the top of the order after a strong 2025 season and standout performance in the World Baseball Classic. Garcia’s return to the leadoff spot is a positive sign, though his absence from the Opening Day lineup last year raised questions.#ronald_acua_jr #atlanta_braves #kansas_city_royals #oneil_cruz #cole_ragans
Royals’ Opening Day 2026 Weather Outlook at Truist Park: Temperature, Wind and Rain Prospects The Kansas City Royals’ 2026 Opening Day game against the Atlanta Braves at Truist Park will feature significantly milder conditions compared to the frigid temperatures expected at Kauffman Stadium. While Kansas City is projected to experience near-freezing lows on Friday, Atlanta will enjoy near-beach weather, offering a stark contrast for the teams. The Royals’ road opener will avoid the potential complications of a spring storm, as the game carries only a single-digit chance of precipitation. The forecast for Friday’s matchup suggests favorable conditions for baseball action. Temperatures in Atlanta will drop slightly later in the day, but moderate humidity and winds blowing toward left field are expected to create ideal conditions for fly balls to carry over the wall. The outcome of these weather factors—whether they favor the home team or the visiting Royals—remains uncertain. For the Royals, the series against the Braves presents a critical opportunity to secure a win. The Braves have dominated the recent matchups, winning seven of the last 10 games between the teams, including a series victory at Truist Park in September 2024. The all-time record between the two franchises remains closely contested, with the Braves holding a 14-12 edge. The weather in Atlanta is a marked improvement over the cold conditions at Kauffman Stadium, where temperatures in Kansas City are still below 60 degrees, making it feel more like winter than spring. However, the Royals can expect to transition into more typical spring and summer conditions by the time their home opener against the Minnesota Twins arrives. A high near 90 degrees is forecasted for that game, signaling the arrival of warmer weather.#atlanta_braves #kansas_city #kansas_city_royals #truist_park #opening_day_2026
Royals' Michael Massey: Sent to IL with Strained Calf The Kansas City Royals have placed Michael Massey on the 10-day injured list due to a strained calf, according to a report from CBS Sports. The move was announced Wednesday, with the injury being backdated to Sunday, which means Massey will be eligible for activation on April 1. While the team projects his absence to be brief, it remains uncertain whether he will be fully recovered and ready to return by that date. Massey, who has been working to ramp up his training in recent weeks, is expected to undergo a rehabilitation process to address the calf strain. The decision to place him on the injured list comes as the Royals prepare for the upcoming season, with Massey’s availability potentially impacting the team’s early-game schedule. His absence is anticipated to be short-lived, but the timeline for his return remains unclear. The injury adds to the roster management challenges for the Royals, who are balancing the need to keep key players healthy while ensuring competitive depth. Massey’s status for Opening Day remains uncertain, with the team likely to monitor his progress closely in the coming days. If he is not cleared by April 1, the Royals may need to adjust their plans for the early part of the season. This development highlights the ongoing efforts by the team to manage player health and maintain a strong lineup. As the 2026 season approaches, the Royals will be closely tracking Massey’s recovery to determine his potential return and how it might affect their strategic approach to the season’s opening weeks.#cbs_sports #kansas_city_royals #michael_massey #injured_list #calf_strain
Kansas City Royals Set 2026 Opening Day Roster The Kansas City Royals have finalized their 26-player opening day roster for the 2026 Major League Baseball season. The team announced the list on Wednesday, confirming that most of the 2025 squad will return, with several new additions to bolster the roster. Key players such as shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., catcher/first baseman/DH Salvador Perez, first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, and third baseman Maikel Garcia are expected to lead the offense. The roster also includes veteran signings like Starling Marte and Nick Mears, as well as the retention of southpaw pitcher Bailey Falter in a new role. The starting rotation will be anchored by All-Star pitchers Cole Ragans, Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, and Kris Bubic. The Royals aimed to elevate their overall depth by adding experienced players to complement their young stars. Bench spots were filled by utilityman Nick Loftin and speedster Tyler Tolbert, both of whom will play significant roles. Loftin, who posted a .903 OPS in spring training, offers versatility and a right-handed bat, while Tolbert, a 2025 rookie with 21 stolen bases, will provide late-inning speed and flexibility in both outfield and infield positions. Injury concerns remain for second baseman Michael Massey, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained left calf. The designation is retroactive to March 22, meaning he could miss several games before a potential return. Massey has remained in Surprise, Arizona, to participate in minor-league games and rehab. The Royals will rely on Loftin, outfielders Starling Marte and Lane Thomas, and reserves to cover his absence until his return.#bobby_witt_jr #vinnie_pasquantino #maikel_garcia #kansas_city_royals #salvador_perez
Rangers Pitcher Carter Baumler Surprised to Learn He Made the Opening Day Roster Carter Baumler, a rookie right-hander for the Texas Rangers, was caught off guard when his manager, Skip Schumaker, surprised him during a spring training game. The unexpected visit to the mound in the fifth inning of a matchup against the Kansas City Royals confirmed that Baumler had secured a spot on the team’s opening day roster. Schumaker approached the mound after Baumler retired the first two batters of the inning. Alongside him were Texas catcher Danny Jansen and all four infielders, who gathered to deliver the news. Schumaker informed Baumler he would start the season in the Rangers’ bullpen, a development that left the 24-year-old reliever stunned. “I wasn’t expecting it. I was like, ‘why is he coming out here?’ And he got on the mound and told me I made the team,” Baumler said during an in-game TV interview. “I mean, honestly, I thought I was like getting taken out of the game. ... Obviously, whenever the manager comes out, you’re usually done.” Baumler, who had never pitched above Double-A prior to this opportunity, maintained his composure to strike out Isaac Collins on a 96.8 mph fastball, ending the inning. The moment was celebrated by his teammates, who greeted him with high-fives after the third out. Jansen patted Baumler’s chest with his catcher’s mitt as a gesture of congratulations. The surprise announcement came after a strong spring training performance. In eight games, Baumler allowed just one earned run while striking out 10 batters over 9 1/3 innings. His journey to the majors has been marked by perseverance. Selected by the Baltimore Orioles in the fifth round of the 2020 amateur draft, Baumler underwent Tommy John surgery shortly after being drafted.#kansas_city_royals #carter_baumler #skip_schumaker #danny_jansen #texas_rangers
Podcast: Is Bill Self Done as Kansas Basketball’s Coach? The University of Kansas basketball team’s season ended in heartbreak during the NCAA Tournament, as they suffered a buzzer-beating loss to St. John’s in the second round. The defeat has left the Jayhawks in limbo, awaiting clarity on the future of head coach Bill Self, whose health issues have raised questions about his continued role with the program. On the latest episode of SportsBeat KC, the Star and KCUR sports podcast, columnist Sam McDowell explores the implications of the loss, the potential end of Self’s tenure, and how the program might navigate a coaching search. The episode also delves into the Kansas City Royals’ opening day, with beat writer Jaylon Thompson analyzing the team’s roster improvements from last season and how their strong performances in the World Baseball Classic could translate to success in the upcoming campaign. Thompson highlights key players who stood out during the international tournament, suggesting their experience could bolster the Royals’ chances in the regular season. The discussion on the podcast begins with a breakdown of the struggles that led to Kansas’ early exit from March Madness. McDowell examines the team’s late-game execution, noting that while defensive issues contributed to the loss, the broader challenges in maintaining composure under pressure were equally critical. The segment also questions whether the 2025 season marks the end of Bill Self’s era at Kansas, considering his age and recent health concerns. Self, who has led the Jayhawks to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and national championships, faces an uncertain future as the program weighs its options.#st_john_s #bill_self #university_of_kansas #kansas_city_royals #sam_mcdowell
20 Must-Have Fantasy Baseball Draft Picks for 2026 - ESPN Value is a concept central to fantasy baseball, representing when a player’s potential exceeds the perception of others. It’s about identifying raw talent that others may overlook. While draft lists and average draft positions (ADP) are useful, the best managers form their own opinions. Here are 20 players I believe will be key assets in 2026, spanning various league formats, with a focus on ESPN’s standard points-based system. These selections include 13 American League and seven National League players, 12 hitters and eight pitchers. Roman Anthony, OF, Boston Red Sox Anthony’s game-winning home run in the World Baseball Classic semifinals highlighted his potential, but his regular-season performance was equally impressive. In 71 games between his June call-up and season-ending oblique injury, he ranked second in hard-hit rate (60.7%) and 12th in chase rate (19.3%) at age 21. His combination of power and contact skills makes him a top-tier prospect. Shane Baz, SP, Baltimore Orioles Baz’s 2025 season was hampered by the pitcher-unfriendly environment at George M. Steinbrenner Field, where he allowed MLB’s worst qualified home HR/FB rate (13.5%) and a BABIP 40 points higher than on the road. Moving to Camden Yards in Baltimore should benefit his performance, and his 40.5% whiff rate in spring starts suggests he’s ready to rebound. Michael Busch, 1B, Chicago Cubs Busch’s raw talent places him closer to Freddie Freeman and Matt Olson than Willson Contreras or Spencer Torkelson. Despite being overlooked in a deep first base pool, he finished 10th in Statcast’s Barrel rate (17.6%) and 11th in wOBA (.369) among all batting title-eligibles. His upside makes him a valuable asset in 2026.#chicago_cubs #boston_red_sox #new_york_yankees #baltimore_orioles #kansas_city_royals
