THREE-GAME SERIES AT KAUFFMAN STADIUM
All games on BSN and 830 AM
Thursday, 3:10 p.m.: RHP Pablo López (11-8, 3.66 ERA in 2023) vs. LHP Cole Ragans (7-5, 3.47)
Saturday, 3:10 p.m.: RHP Joe Ryan (11-10, 4.51) vs. RHP Seth Lugo (8-7, 3.57 with Padres)
Sunday, 1:10 p.m.: RHP Bailey Ober (8-6, 3.43) vs. RHP Brady Singer (8-11, 5.52)
Twins update
López will make his second consecutive Opening Day start for the Twins. Last year, López and four relievers combined on a two-hitter in a 2-0 victory over the Royals in Kansas City, and the Twins went on to sweep the season-opening series. ... The Twins won the season series from the Royals 9-4, outscoring the Royals, 71-45. ... The Twins and Royals didn't face each other in the final two months of the season. ... The Twins were 87-75 last season, going 40-41 on the road and 47-34 at home. ... Closer Jhoan Duran (oblique) is out.
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Royals update
Kansas City won only 56 games in 2023. Among the offseason moves for the Royals was signing Bobby Witt Jr. to an 11-year, $288.7 million contract and signing eight free agents. Witt, 23, batted .276 with 96 RBI in 158 games. ... Lugo, who started 26 games for San Diego, signed a three-year, $45 million contract. ... Free agent pitcher Michael Wacha signed a two-year, $32 contract. ... Ragans was 5-2 with a 2.64 ERA in 12 starts for the Royals after being acquired from Texas on June 30. ... 2B Michael Massey (back) is out.
