Nicky Lopez
Cleveland Indians manager Terry Francona wears a face covering as he drives around on a golf cart during a spring training baseball practice Monday, Feb. 22, 2021, in Goodyear, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin)
American League Central Preview Capsules

By The Associated Press Mar. 18, 2021 07:48 PM EDT

FILE- In this Sept. 29, 2020, file photo, Cleveland Indians' Carlos Santana exits the batting cage before Game 1 of an American League wild-card baseball series against the New York Yankees in Cleveland. The Cleveland Indians have declined contract options on Brad Hand and first baseman Carlos Santana for next season, decisions that will initially cut $27 million from the team's payroll. (AP Photo/David Dermer, File)
Santana, Benintendi highlight new-look Royals lineup

By Dave Skretta Feb. 22, 2021 01:08 PM EST

Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Jesse Hahn throws during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Burnes, Braun help Brewers to 5-0 win over the Royals

By Joe Totoraitis Sep. 19, 2020 10:25 PM EDT

Kansas City Royals' Whit Merrifield, right, is tagged out by Minnesota Twins starting pitcher Devin Smeltzer, left, during a rundown in the first inning of a baseball game at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City, Mo., Friday, Aug. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Orlin Wagner)
Ryan McBroom's homer lifts Royals to 3-2 win over Twins

By Dave Skretta Aug. 07, 2020 11:53 PM EDT

Cutouts of fans fill empty seats in Kauffman Stadium during the fourth inning of a baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and the Chicago White Sox Sunday, Aug. 2, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Madrigal's first 4 big league hits help White Sox top KC 9-2

By Dave Skretta Aug. 02, 2020 05:15 PM EDT

Chicago White Sox's Luis Robert celebrates as he crosses the plate after hitting a solo home run during the second inning of the team's baseball game against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Gio Gonzalez helps pitch White Sox to 11-5 rout of Royals

By Dave Skretta Aug. 01, 2020 11:36 PM EDT