TORONTO (AP) — Alejandro Kirk hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning, sending the Toronto Blue Jays to a 4-2 victory against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.

Kansas City, in last place in the AL Central, was without 10 unvaccinated players, including All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi and infielder Whit Merrifield, during this four-game series in Toronto.

The Royals won the first game of the series Thursday and then dropped the next three.

Since unvaccinated foreign nationals aren’t allowed to enter Canada, the Royals roster included Triple-A and Double-A prospects, making an already difficult series against the high-powered Blue Jays more challenging.

Both teams scored a pair of runs in the first few innings, but that was the extent of the offense until Kirk’s homer off Wyatt Mills (0-1).

“Thank God we’ve finished off strong in the first half,” Kirk said through an interpreter.

Blue Jays starter José Berríos settled into a rhythm, working 6⅓ innings, allowing two earned runs and seven hits while striking out seven and walking one.

Left-hander Tim Mayza (3-0) took over for Berríos out of the bullpen, working 1⅔ innings in relief with two strikeouts to pick up the win. Jordan Romano worked a perfect ninth for his 20th save of the season.

Royals starter Kris Bubic kept Blue Jays hitters off balance. He was effective against the right-handed heavy Jays, allowing just two unearned runs and five hits while striking out four. The 24-year-old said by diversifying his pitches, he was able to get hitters swinging at low-probability pitches.

“We mixed pitches really well, rhythm, tempo,” Bubic said. “Just wanted to stay on the attack as much as I could all day, and good things happened.”

Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. let a routine double play ball go through his legs in the third inning. His 13th error of the season contributed to the first two Blue Jays runs.

But Royals manager Mike Matheny said he wasn’t worried about Witt’s lone miscue in this game.

“Errors happen to the very best players, and he does a great job of letting them go and getting ready for the next one,” Matheny said.

Matt Chapman had two more hits for the Blue Jays, giving him seven hits in his past six games.

Nick Pratto, one of Kansas City’s call-ups, hit his first major league home run in the second inning off Berríos.

“It was just something where he threw a pitch that kind of matched up with what I feel is a strength of mine, and I didn’t miss it,” the 24-year-old said.

During this four-game series, Pratto has showed why he’s considered one of the Royals’ top prospects, picking up three hits and playing well at first base.

Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen threw out the Royals Freddy Fermin trying to steal second in the fifth inning, then picked off Pratto at first to end a threat in the seventh. The Jays catcher is 3 for 10 throwing out base-stealers this season.

Closer Jordan Romano was announced Sunday as a replacement for the All-Star Game, joining Blue Jays teammates Alek Manoah, Alejandro Kirk, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Santiago Espinal and George Springer on the AL roster.

Excluding the shortened 2020 season, the Royals will now have entered the All-Star break either tied for or in last place in the AL Central for the fourth consecutive season.

Bubic’s seven innings matched a career high. Sunday was also the second time in his career the left-hander has allowed no earned runs through seven innings, with the previous time coming Sept. 26, 2021.

Before Sunday’s game, the Royals recalled LHP Gabe Speier from Triple-A Omaha. Speier has a 2.33 ERA in 17 major-league appearances this season.

Blue Jays LHP Yusei Kikuchi threw a bullpen Sunday that was supervised by pitching coach Pete Walker. Kikuchi has been on the injured list with a neck strain since July 7.

Royals: Kansas City hosts Tampa Bay for three games beginning Friday night in its first series following the All-Star break.

Blue Jays: Toronto opens the second half with a three-game series at Boston that begins Friday night.

TORONTO (AP) — Alejandro Kirk hit a two-run home run in the eighth inning, sending the Toronto Blue Jays to a 4-2 victory against the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.Kansas City, in last place in the AL Central, was without 10 unvaccinated players, including All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi and infielder Whit Merrifield, during this four-game series in Toronto.The Royals won the first game of the series Thursday and then dropped the next three.Since unvaccinated foreign nationals aren’t allowed to enter Canada, the Royals roster included Triple-A and Double-A prospects, making an already difficult series against the high-powered Blue Jays more challenging.Both teams scored a pair of runs in the first few innings, but that was the extent of the offense until Kirk’s homer off Wyatt Mills (0-1).“Thank God we’ve finished off strong in the first half,” Kirk said through an interpreter.Blue Jays starter José Berríos settled into a rhythm, working 6⅓ innings, allowing two earned runs and seven hits while striking out seven and walking one.Left-hander Tim Mayza (3-0) took over for Berríos out of the bullpen, working 1⅔ innings in relief with two strikeouts to pick up the win. Jordan Romano worked a perfect ninth for his 20th save of the season.Royals starter Kris Bubic kept Blue Jays hitters off balance. He was effective against the right-handed heavy Jays, allowing just two unearned runs and five hits while striking out four. The 24-year-old said by diversifying his pitches, he was able to get hitters swinging at low-probability pitches.“We mixed pitches really well, rhythm, tempo,” Bubic said. “Just wanted to stay on the attack as much as I could all day, and good things happened.”Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. let a routine double play ball go through his legs in the third inning. His 13th error of the season contributed to the first two Blue Jays runs.But Royals manager Mike Matheny said he wasn’t worried about Witt’s lone miscue in this game.“Errors happen to the very best players, and he does a great job of letting them go and getting ready for the next one,” Matheny said.Matt Chapman had two more hits for the Blue Jays, giving him seven hits in his past six games.Nick Pratto, one of Kansas City’s call-ups, hit his first major league home run in the second inning off Berríos.“It was just something where he threw a pitch that kind of matched up with what I feel is a strength of mine, and I didn’t miss it,” the 24-year-old said.During this four-game series, Pratto has showed why he’s considered one of the Royals’ top prospects, picking up three hits and playing well at first base.Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen threw out the Royals Freddy Fermin trying to steal second in the fifth inning, then picked off Pratto at first to end a threat in the seventh. The Jays catcher is 3 for 10 throwing out base-stealers this season.THE SIX FROM THE 6IXCloser Jordan Romano was announced Sunday as a replacement for the All-Star Game, joining Blue Jays teammates Alek Manoah, Alejandro Kirk, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Santiago Espinal and George Springer on the AL roster.ALL-STAR BLUESExcluding the shortened 2020 season, the Royals will now have entered the All-Star break either tied for or in last place in the AL Central for the fourth consecutive season.BUBIC’S BESTBubic’s seven innings matched a career high. Sunday was also the second time in his career the left-hander has allowed no earned runs through seven innings, with the previous time coming Sept. 26, 2021.ROSTER MOVESBefore Sunday’s game, the Royals recalled LHP Gabe Speier from Triple-A Omaha. Speier has a 2.33 ERA in 17 major-league appearances this season.TRAINER’S ROOMBlue Jays LHP Yusei Kikuchi threw a bullpen Sunday that was supervised by pitching coach Pete Walker. Kikuchi has been on the injured list with a neck strain since July 7.UP NEXTRoyals: Kansas City hosts Tampa Bay for three games beginning Friday night in its first series following the All-Star break.Blue Jays: Toronto opens the second half with a three-game series at Boston that begins Friday night.

Kirk's 2-run homer in 8th lifts Jays to 4-2 win over Royals

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Two of the three new head coaches in the Big 12 aren't really new at all when it comes to the state of Texas, the conference and the traditional Dallas-area home of the league's football media days.

TCU's Sonny Dykes and Joey McGuire at Texas Tech have been there, done that.

Dykes is the son of late former Texas Tech coach Spike Dykes, was an assistant with the Red Raiders in the early 2000s and even spent a season on the staff of Gary Patterson five years before replacing the longtime Horned Frogs coach.

The 52-year-old has already been a head coach in his home state, having spent the past four seasons at SMU in Dallas, about 30 miles from the TCU campus. But that was the American Athletic Conference. This is the Big 12.

“Look, I love this league,” Dykes said Thursday, the last of two media days on the field at AT&amp;T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys and site of the Big 12 championship game.

“I’m familiar with a lot of these coaches,” Dykes said. “A lot of these guys, I’ve known them most of my life and most of their lives. I’ve been to games in these stadiums when I was a kid. That felt like home.”

McGuire, a championship-winning high school coach south of Dallas in Cedar Hill, joined the Red Raiders after five years as an assistant at Big 12 rival Baylor. He replaces Matt Wells, who was fired in the middle of his third season last year.

“The one thing I always say, and I believe this, it's not just a little slogan, but I'm a high school coach that gets to coach college football,” McGuire said. “My DNA is a high school coach.”

The difference is Dykes has left the state, with head-coaching stops at Louisiana Tech and California. After he was fired at Cal, Patterson hired him as an offensive analyst.

McGuire has barely left the Dallas area, where he was born, went to college (Texas-Arlington) and coached for 22 years before straying 100 miles south to Waco.

“I think the Texas high school coaches understand, what we say, we're going to do, that they can trust us to take care of their players,” McGuire said. “Whenever you can walk into a high coach and the head coach knows, 'Hey, this guy is what he's all about, what he says, what he's going to do,' it makes a huge impact on those guys.”

Spike Dykes got to see his son in charge of the sideline at Louisiana Tech and Cal, but died less than a year before Sonny Dykes was hired at SMU, which was one of Texas Tech's rivals in the Southwest Conference. TCU was another SWC foe, and son said dad always thought it was a good job.

“It's a little bittersweet,” Sonny Dykes said. “I think he would have gotten a kick out of me being at SMU. I know he's looking down and excited about this opportunity and certainly gets a kick out of it.”

Iowa State had its highest-ever preseason ranking at No. 7 last year before a 7-6 season that ended with a loss in the Cheez-It Bowl a year after the Cyclones lost to Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship game.

The Cyclones will try to bounce back from that disappointment, but will have to do it without quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Breece Hall, who had consecutive 1,700-yard seasons before bypassing his senior year and going early in the second round of the NFL draft.

“I think I said this a year ago, if we would have ever listened to what people said about Iowa State in the preseason hype, we would have never got our program off the ground,” said coach Matt Campbell, who is going into his seventh season after consistent chatter over several years about him taking a higher-profile job.

Hunter Dekkers will get the first shot at replacing Purdy, a three-year starter, while the task of filling Hall's void will be considerably tougher.

“The ability to find greatness is the ability to overcome yourself,” Campbell said. “We've really tried to find out where we need to continue to grow, why we've either taken steps back or taken steps forward, and how do we continue to push forward as a program.”

Texas running back Bijan Robinson was the most likely among the players at Big 12 media days to become a Heisman Trophy candidate. So the junior knew the question was coming after he rushed for 1,127 yards, averaged 5.8 yards per carry and scored 11 touchdowns.

Robinson's name surfaced a year ago when he had five consecutive 100-yard games, particularly after career highs of 35 carries for 216 yards in a 32-27 victory at TCU.

The last two of those five games were the start of a six-game losing streak, and Robinson missed the final two games after dislocating his elbow in a 57-56 loss to Kansas.

“When everybody on the team is successful and we start winning games, then it's not just about me,” Robinson said. “It's about everybody that's around me that's getting their awards, too. When we win games, everybody eats on the team. It is a distraction, but when we all eat, then we'll all succeed together.”

Once again, Big 12 coordinator of officials Greg Burks got a question about the “Horns Down” signal, this time on whether it was a dead issue. Burks didn't really say, except to try to lump the gesture in with all taunting situations by labeling it a judgment call.

“Let me be very clear with ‘Horns Down.’ I have no ownership on this symbol,” Burks said as he flashed both the “up” and “down” version. “This symbol is the same as all other signals. It’s when you do it, who you do it to and which manner you do it.”

ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) — Two of the three new head coaches in the Big 12 aren't really new at all when it comes to the state of Texas, the conference and the traditional Dallas-area home of the league's football media days.TCU's Sonny Dykes and Joey McGuire at Texas Tech have been there, done that.Dykes is the son of late former Texas Tech coach Spike Dykes, was an assistant with the Red Raiders in the early 2000s and even spent a season on the staff of Gary Patterson five years before replacing the longtime Horned Frogs coach.The 52-year-old has already been a head coach in his home state, having spent the past four seasons at SMU in Dallas, about 30 miles from the TCU campus. But that was the American Athletic Conference. This is the Big 12.“Look, I love this league,” Dykes said Thursday, the last of two media days on the field at AT&amp;T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys and site of the Big 12 championship game.“I’m familiar with a lot of these coaches,” Dykes said. “A lot of these guys, I’ve known them most of my life and most of their lives. I’ve been to games in these stadiums when I was a kid. That felt like home.”McGuire, a championship-winning high school coach south of Dallas in Cedar Hill, joined the Red Raiders after five years as an assistant at Big 12 rival Baylor. He replaces Matt Wells, who was fired in the middle of his third season last year.“The one thing I always say, and I believe this, it's not just a little slogan, but I'm a high school coach that gets to coach college football,” McGuire said. “My DNA is a high school coach.”The difference is Dykes has left the state, with head-coaching stops at Louisiana Tech and California. After he was fired at Cal, Patterson hired him as an offensive analyst.McGuire has barely left the Dallas area, where he was born, went to college (Texas-Arlington) and coached for 22 years before straying 100 miles south to Waco.“I think the Texas high school coaches understand, what we say, we're going to do, that they can trust us to take care of their players,” McGuire said. “Whenever you can walk into a high coach and the head coach knows, 'Hey, this guy is what he's all about, what he says, what he's going to do,' it makes a huge impact on those guys.”Spike Dykes got to see his son in charge of the sideline at Louisiana Tech and Cal, but died less than a year before Sonny Dykes was hired at SMU, which was one of Texas Tech's rivals in the Southwest Conference. TCU was another SWC foe, and son said dad always thought it was a good job.“It's a little bittersweet,” Sonny Dykes said. “I think he would have gotten a kick out of me being at SMU. I know he's looking down and excited about this opportunity and certainly gets a kick out of it.”RESETTING CYCLONESIowa State had its highest-ever preseason ranking at No. 7 last year before a 7-6 season that ended with a loss in the Cheez-It Bowl a year after the Cyclones lost to Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship game.The Cyclones will try to bounce back from that disappointment, but will have to do it without quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Breece Hall, who had consecutive 1,700-yard seasons before bypassing his senior year and going early in the second round of the NFL draft.“I think I said this a year ago, if we would have ever listened to what people said about Iowa State in the preseason hype, we would have never got our program off the ground,” said coach Matt Campbell, who is going into his seventh season after consistent chatter over several years about him taking a higher-profile job.Hunter Dekkers will get the first shot at replacing Purdy, a three-year starter, while the task of filling Hall's void will be considerably tougher.“The ability to find greatness is the ability to overcome yourself,” Campbell said. “We've really tried to find out where we need to continue to grow, why we've either taken steps back or taken steps forward, and how do we continue to push forward as a program.”HEISMAN HOPEFULTexas running back Bijan Robinson was the most likely among the players at Big 12 media days to become a Heisman Trophy candidate. So the junior knew the question was coming after he rushed for 1,127 yards, averaged 5.8 yards per carry and scored 11 touchdowns.Robinson's name surfaced a year ago when he had five consecutive 100-yard games, particularly after career highs of 35 carries for 216 yards in a 32-27 victory at TCU.The last two of those five games were the start of a six-game losing streak, and Robinson missed the final two games after dislocating his elbow in a 57-56 loss to Kansas.“When everybody on the team is successful and we start winning games, then it's not just about me,” Robinson said. “It's about everybody that's around me that's getting their awards, too. When we win games, everybody eats on the team. It is a distraction, but when we all eat, then we'll all succeed together.”STILL TALKING HORNS DOWNOnce again, Big 12 coordinator of officials Greg Burks got a question about the “Horns Down” signal, this time on whether it was a dead issue. Burks didn't really say, except to try to lump the gesture in with all taunting situations by labeling it a judgment call.“Let me be very clear with ‘Horns Down.’ I have no ownership on this symbol,” Burks said as he flashed both the “up” and “down” version. “This symbol is the same as all other signals. It’s when you do it, who you do it to and which manner you do it.”

Ties to Texas, Big 12 bind coaching newcomers Dykes, McGuire

NEW YORK (AP) — The matchups are set for baseball's Home Run Derby.

Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber will be the top seed next Monday at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles thanks to his 28 home runs through Wednesday — most among the eight players in the field.

Schwarber will face eighth-seeded Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round.

New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, trying to become the first player to win three times in a row, is the No. 2 seed and will take on Atlanta outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., the seventh seed.

Third-seeded Corey Seager of the Texas Rangers, added to the American League roster Thursday as an injury replacement for the All-Star Game next Tuesday, will square off against 21-year-old Seattle rookie Julio Rodríguez, the No. 6 seed.

Seager spent his first seven major league seasons with the Dodgers before signing with the Rangers last offseason.

No. 4 seed Juan Soto from the Washington Nationals opposes fifth-seeded José Ramírez of the Cleveland Guardians.

The seeds and matchups announced Thursday night by Major League Baseball were based on the home run totals of each player through Wednesday.

Alonso hit 74 total home runs in last year’s Derby at Denver’s Coors Field and beat Baltimore’s Trey Mancini 23-22 in the final round. Alonso joined Ken Griffey Jr. (1998-99) and Yoenis Céspedes (2013-14) as the only players to win consecutive titles. Griffey also won in 1994 and is the lone three-time champion.

Pujols will participate in his fifth Derby after coming up short in 2003, 2007, 2009 and 2015. He and Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera were added to the All-Star rosters as special selections by Commissioner Rob Manfred.

Pujols will make his 11th All-Star appearance and compete in the Derby at one of his former homes. He played 85 games with the Dodgers last season after being cut by the Los Angeles Angels, then signed with St. Louis before this season, which he has said will be his last.

The 42-year-old Pujols has six homers this season and 685 in his career, fifth on the career list.

Rodríguez will be the 14th rookie to participate in the Derby, and only two of those have won outright: Alonso in 2019 and Aaron Judge in 2017.

Judge leads the majors in homers with 31 and is set to start the All-Star Game as the top vote-getter in the AL, but the New York Yankees star is not participating in the Derby.

NEW YORK (AP) — The matchups are set for baseball's Home Run Derby.Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber will be the top seed next Monday at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles thanks to his 28 home runs through Wednesday — most among the eight players in the field.Schwarber will face eighth-seeded Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals in the first round.New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, trying to become the first player to win three times in a row, is the No. 2 seed and will take on Atlanta outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., the seventh seed.Third-seeded Corey Seager of the Texas Rangers, added to the American League roster Thursday as an injury replacement for the All-Star Game next Tuesday, will square off against 21-year-old Seattle rookie Julio Rodríguez, the No. 6 seed.Seager spent his first seven major league seasons with the Dodgers before signing with the Rangers last offseason.No. 4 seed Juan Soto from the Washington Nationals opposes fifth-seeded José Ramírez of the Cleveland Guardians.The seeds and matchups announced Thursday night by Major League Baseball were based on the home run totals of each player through Wednesday.Alonso hit 74 total home runs in last year’s Derby at Denver’s Coors Field and beat Baltimore’s Trey Mancini 23-22 in the final round. Alonso joined Ken Griffey Jr. (1998-99) and Yoenis Céspedes (2013-14) as the only players to win consecutive titles. Griffey also won in 1994 and is the lone three-time champion.Pujols will participate in his fifth Derby after coming up short in 2003, 2007, 2009 and 2015. He and Detroit’s Miguel Cabrera were added to the All-Star rosters as special selections by Commissioner Rob Manfred.Pujols will make his 11th All-Star appearance and compete in the Derby at one of his former homes. He played 85 games with the Dodgers last season after being cut by the Los Angeles Angels, then signed with St. Louis before this season, which he has said will be his last.The 42-year-old Pujols has six homers this season and 685 in his career, fifth on the career list.Rodríguez will be the 14th rookie to participate in the Derby, and only two of those have won outright: Alonso in 2019 and Aaron Judge in 2017.Judge leads the majors in homers with 31 and is set to start the All-Star Game as the top vote-getter in the AL, but the New York Yankees star is not participating in the Derby.

HR Derby matchups set: Top-seeded Schwarber vs Pujols

LAST YEAR: Once again led by Patrick Mahomes and Co., the Chiefs became the first team in NFL history to host four consecutive AFC championship games. But after building a 21-10 halftime lead on the Bengals, that high-powered offense flopped in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Cincinnati rallied to force overtime and then won on Evan McPherson's field goal, denying the Chiefs their third straight trip to the Super Bowl.

IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: SS Justin Reid, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, RB Ronald Jones II, LB Elijah Lee, FS Deon Bush, LB Jermaine Carter, CB Lonnie Johnson, WR Skyy Moore, SS Bryan Cook, DE George Karlaftis, CB Trent McDuffie, OT Darian Kinnard.

IMPORTANT LOSSES: WR Tyreek Hill, FS Tyrann Mathieu, LB Anthony Hitchens, CB Charvarius Ward, WR Byron Pringle, DE Melvin Ingram, CB Mike Hughes, SS Daniel Sorensen, RB Darrel Williams, FS Armani Watts, LB Ben Niemann, WR Demarcus Robinson, DT Jarran Reed.

CAMP NEEDS: The Chiefs had several players miss parts of offseason workouts with nagging injuries, so staying healthy into their regular-season opener is crucial. They also could be looking for pass rush help despite drafting Karlaftis and bringing back DE Frank Clark on a restructured contract.

KEY CAMP COMPETITIONS: Valdes-Scantling, Smith-Schuster, Moore and Mecole Hardman are locks at WR, but the Chiefs need Corey Coleman, Josh Gordon, Daurice Fountain or someone else to emerge as depth pieces. Clark and Karlaftis are the only sure bets at DE, putting pressure on Mike Danna, Josh Kaindoh, Malik Herring and Austin Edwards to earn a job.

EXPECTATIONS: The Chiefs traded Hill to the Dolphins for a package of draft picks, then signed Valdes-Scantling and Smith-Schuster while drafting Moore in an attempt to replace him. Whether that strategy works for GM Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid will decide whether the Kansas City offense continues to fly high this season. On defense, the Chiefs need to get more pressure on the QB in a division that suddenly features the Chargers' Justin Herbert, the Broncos' Russell Wilson and the Raiders' Derek Carr. If both those things happen, the Chiefs will be in the mix for another run at the Super Bowl.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (14-6)CAMP SITE: St. Joseph, MissouriLAST YEAR: Once again led by Patrick Mahomes and Co., the Chiefs became the first team in NFL history to host four consecutive AFC championship games. But after building a 21-10 halftime lead on the Bengals, that high-powered offense flopped in the second half at Arrowhead Stadium. Cincinnati rallied to force overtime and then won on Evan McPherson's field goal, denying the Chiefs their third straight trip to the Super Bowl.IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: SS Justin Reid, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling, RB Ronald Jones II, LB Elijah Lee, FS Deon Bush, LB Jermaine Carter, CB Lonnie Johnson, WR Skyy Moore, SS Bryan Cook, DE George Karlaftis, CB Trent McDuffie, OT Darian Kinnard.IMPORTANT LOSSES: WR Tyreek Hill, FS Tyrann Mathieu, LB Anthony Hitchens, CB Charvarius Ward, WR Byron Pringle, DE Melvin Ingram, CB Mike Hughes, SS Daniel Sorensen, RB Darrel Williams, FS Armani Watts, LB Ben Niemann, WR Demarcus Robinson, DT Jarran Reed.CAMP NEEDS: The Chiefs had several players miss parts of offseason workouts with nagging injuries, so staying healthy into their regular-season opener is crucial. They also could be looking for pass rush help despite drafting Karlaftis and bringing back DE Frank Clark on a restructured contract.KEY CAMP COMPETITIONS: Valdes-Scantling, Smith-Schuster, Moore and Mecole Hardman are locks at WR, but the Chiefs need Corey Coleman, Josh Gordon, Daurice Fountain or someone else to emerge as depth pieces. Clark and Karlaftis are the only sure bets at DE, putting pressure on Mike Danna, Josh Kaindoh, Malik Herring and Austin Edwards to earn a job.EXPECTATIONS: The Chiefs traded Hill to the Dolphins for a package of draft picks, then signed Valdes-Scantling and Smith-Schuster while drafting Moore in an attempt to replace him. Whether that strategy works for GM Brett Veach and coach Andy Reid will decide whether the Kansas City offense continues to fly high this season. On defense, the Chiefs need to get more pressure on the QB in a division that suddenly features the Chargers' Justin Herbert, the Broncos' Russell Wilson and the Raiders' Derek Carr. If both those things happen, the Chiefs will be in the mix for another run at the Super Bowl.

Chiefs aim for return to Super Bowl after playoff heartbreak

TORONTO (AP) — Teoscar Hernández singled home the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning and the Toronto Blue Jays rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Saturday.

“I just had that confidence that my teammates were going to put up some good at-bats, we were going to tie the game and win the ballgame,” Hernández said.

Royals designated hitter Vinnie Pasquantino hit a tie-breaking home run in the top of the 10th to put Kansas City up 5-3, but Toronto rallied in the bottom half against former Blue Jays reliever Joel Payamps (2-3).

After stepping out of the box and banging his bat in frustration over a strike two call that looked inside, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. led off the bottom of the 10th with a double, scoring automatic runner George Springer.

“In that moment it may have been a good thing for him,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said of Guerrero’s obvious frustration.

Hernández said Guerrero’s double “kind of fired up the whole team.” Pinch-hitter Raimel Tapia followed it with a game-tying base hit to center.

Bo Bichette singled and Hernández grounded a base hit through the left side to score Tapia, who slid home with the winning run as the crowd of 40,135 erupted.

The Blue Jays are 21-14 in one-run games, the most one-run victories in the majors.

Toronto’s Jordan Romano (3-2) got the win despite allowing Pasquantino’s homer.

Guerrero had three hits and reached base four times.

Payamps, who pitched in 22 games for Toronto in 2021, didn’t retire any of the three batters he faced.

“I thought he just didn’t have his good stuff today,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said.

Hernández said his familiarity with Payamps proved helpful.

“I knew he was going to try to come in on me to try to get the double play,” Hernández said. “Later in the at-bat I knew he was going to throw a breaking ball, so I just tried to stay back as much as I could and tried to put the ball in play.”

Kansas City has lost 11 of its past 13 games in Toronto, where the Royals are playing short-handed this weekend. Kansas City, in last place in the AL Central, is without 10 players for this series because they are not vaccinated against COVID-19. Unvaccinated foreign nationals are not allowed to enter Canada, save for limited exceptions that require a 14-day quarantine.

When baseball players are unvaccinated and can’t travel to Canada, they’re placed on the restricted list, which means they are not paid and do not accrue major league service time.

The Royals are without All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi, two-time All-Star Whit Merrifield, future cornerstones Kyle Isbel and MJ Melendez, and outfielder Michael A. Taylor. Also barred were first baseman Hunter Dozier, right-handed starters Brad Keller and Brady Singer, reliever Dylan Coleman, and backup catcher Cam Gallagher.

Bobby Witt Jr.s RBI single gave Kansas City a 1-0 lead in the third, but the Blue Jays answered in the bottom half on Alejandro Kirk’s run-scoring single.

Ryan O’Hearn tripled home a run in the fourth and scored on Nate Eaton’s sacrifice fly. Again Toronto answered immediately, with Springer chasing Lynch and tying the score at 3-all with a two-out, bases-loaded single in the bottom half of the inning.

Jose Cuas came on and walked Guerrero, then retired Kirk on a groundout.

Matheny was ejected by home plate umpire John Bacon for arguing a batter’s interference call on Michael Massey that ended Kansas City’s sixth, stranding runners at first and second.

“I just think it’s a bad call at a very bad time in the game,” Matheny said. “It’s a judgment call so there’s nothing we can do about it, but it’s a shame. We’ve got Massey up, who’s already had a couple of nice hits. He gets us into a spot to do something and turn the tide of the game. I thought it was an unnecessary call. It looked like he was searching to make something happen. Unfortunately, that hurt us.”

Springer stayed in the game after flipping his bat over his shoulder when Bacon called him out on strikes to end the sixth. Blue Jays teammates and Schneider came out to keep Springer from getting ejected.

Making his second big league start, Blue Jays right-hander Max Castillo allowed three runs and five hits in 3 2/3 innings.

Royals left-hander Daniel Lynch also pitched 3 2/3 innings and allowed three runs and six hits.

Blue Jays 2B Santiago Espinal was named to the AL All-Star team. He replaces Houston’s José Altuve, who was hit on the left knee by a pitch Thursday.

Royals: Kansas City recalled RHP Collin Snider from Triple-A Omaha and optioned RHP Carlos Hernández to Triple-A.

Blue Jays: Toronto recalled RHP Jeremy Beasley from Triple-A Buffalo and designated RHP Sergio Romo for assignment. Romo went 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA in six games with Toronto, his second team this season after being cut by Seattle June 20.

Toronto acquired Triple-A LHP Foster Griffin from Kansas City in exchange for Class-A RHP Jonatan Bernal. The Blue Jays added Griffin to their 40-man roster and optioned him to Triple-A Buffalo. The Royals assigned Bernal to Class-A Columbia.

Royals LHP Kris Bubic (1-6, 6.63) starts Sunday’s series finale against Blue Jays RHP José Berríos (7-4, 5.38). Berríos went 3-0 in three starts against the Royals last season.

TORONTO (AP) — Teoscar Hernández singled home the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning and the Toronto Blue Jays rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Saturday.“I just had that confidence that my teammates were going to put up some good at-bats, we were going to tie the game and win the ballgame,” Hernández said.Royals designated hitter Vinnie Pasquantino hit a tie-breaking home run in the top of the 10th to put Kansas City up 5-3, but Toronto rallied in the bottom half against former Blue Jays reliever Joel Payamps (2-3).After stepping out of the box and banging his bat in frustration over a strike two call that looked inside, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. led off the bottom of the 10th with a double, scoring automatic runner George Springer.“In that moment it may have been a good thing for him,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said of Guerrero’s obvious frustration.Hernández said Guerrero’s double “kind of fired up the whole team.” Pinch-hitter Raimel Tapia followed it with a game-tying base hit to center.Bo Bichette singled and Hernández grounded a base hit through the left side to score Tapia, who slid home with the winning run as the crowd of 40,135 erupted.The Blue Jays are 21-14 in one-run games, the most one-run victories in the majors.Toronto’s Jordan Romano (3-2) got the win despite allowing Pasquantino’s homer.Guerrero had three hits and reached base four times.Payamps, who pitched in 22 games for Toronto in 2021, didn’t retire any of the three batters he faced.“I thought he just didn’t have his good stuff today,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said.Hernández said his familiarity with Payamps proved helpful.“I knew he was going to try to come in on me to try to get the double play,” Hernández said. “Later in the at-bat I knew he was going to throw a breaking ball, so I just tried to stay back as much as I could and tried to put the ball in play.”Kansas City has lost 11 of its past 13 games in Toronto, where the Royals are playing short-handed this weekend. Kansas City, in last place in the AL Central, is without 10 players for this series because they are not vaccinated against COVID-19. Unvaccinated foreign nationals are not allowed to enter Canada, save for limited exceptions that require a 14-day quarantine.When baseball players are unvaccinated and can’t travel to Canada, they’re placed on the restricted list, which means they are not paid and do not accrue major league service time.The Royals are without All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi, two-time All-Star Whit Merrifield, future cornerstones Kyle Isbel and MJ Melendez, and outfielder Michael A. Taylor. Also barred were first baseman Hunter Dozier, right-handed starters Brad Keller and Brady Singer, reliever Dylan Coleman, and backup catcher Cam Gallagher.Bobby Witt Jr.s RBI single gave Kansas City a 1-0 lead in the third, but the Blue Jays answered in the bottom half on Alejandro Kirk’s run-scoring single.Ryan O’Hearn tripled home a run in the fourth and scored on Nate Eaton’s sacrifice fly. Again Toronto answered immediately, with Springer chasing Lynch and tying the score at 3-all with a two-out, bases-loaded single in the bottom half of the inning.Jose Cuas came on and walked Guerrero, then retired Kirk on a groundout.Matheny was ejected by home plate umpire John Bacon for arguing a batter’s interference call on Michael Massey that ended Kansas City’s sixth, stranding runners at first and second.“I just think it’s a bad call at a very bad time in the game,” Matheny said. “It’s a judgment call so there’s nothing we can do about it, but it’s a shame. We’ve got Massey up, who’s already had a couple of nice hits. He gets us into a spot to do something and turn the tide of the game. I thought it was an unnecessary call. It looked like he was searching to make something happen. Unfortunately, that hurt us.”Springer stayed in the game after flipping his bat over his shoulder when Bacon called him out on strikes to end the sixth. Blue Jays teammates and Schneider came out to keep Springer from getting ejected.Making his second big league start, Blue Jays right-hander Max Castillo allowed three runs and five hits in 3 2/3 innings.Royals left-hander Daniel Lynch also pitched 3 2/3 innings and allowed three runs and six hits.SANTI’S STAR TURNBlue Jays 2B Santiago Espinal was named to the AL All-Star team. He replaces Houston’s José Altuve, who was hit on the left knee by a pitch Thursday.ROSTER MOVESRoyals: Kansas City recalled RHP Collin Snider from Triple-A Omaha and optioned RHP Carlos Hernández to Triple-A.Blue Jays: Toronto recalled RHP Jeremy Beasley from Triple-A Buffalo and designated RHP Sergio Romo for assignment. Romo went 0-1 with a 4.91 ERA in six games with Toronto, his second team this season after being cut by Seattle June 20.TRADING PLACESToronto acquired Triple-A LHP Foster Griffin from Kansas City in exchange for Class-A RHP Jonatan Bernal. The Blue Jays added Griffin to their 40-man roster and optioned him to Triple-A Buffalo. The Royals assigned Bernal to Class-A Columbia.UP NEXTRoyals LHP Kris Bubic (1-6, 6.63) starts Sunday’s series finale against Blue Jays RHP José Berríos (7-4, 5.38). Berríos went 3-0 in three starts against the Royals last season.

Hernández has winning hit, Jays rally in 10th to beat Royals

MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State has signed a two-game, home-and-home scheduling agreement in men's basketball with Pac-12 foe California, the two athletics departments announced on Thursday (July 14).

he two schools will open the series in Berkeley at Haas Pavilion on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, before finishing at Bramlage Coliseum at a date to be determined during the 2024-25 season. It marks the second such home-and-home series that the schools have signed following a pair of meetings during the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons.

The contest at Cal will be the first road game under first-year head coach Jerome Tang.

K-State and Cal have met seven times since their first meeting in 1953 with the Wildcats holding a 6-1 advantage. The two schools will meet for the first time since that aforementioned home-and-home series in 2006 and 2007, as the Bears won 78-48 at home on November 29, 2006, before the Wildcats earned an 82-75 win at home on December 9, 2007. The 2022 matchup will be the fourth such meeting (1953, 1958 and 2006) in Berkeley.

The Bears return several lettermen in 2022-23, including rising junior guard Jalen Celestine (7.5 ppg., 3.1 rpg.), senior guard Joel Brown (4.8 ppg., 3.5 rpg.) and senior forward Kuany Kuany (4.8 ppg., 2.4 rpg.). They will also welcome four newcomers, including a pair of high-level transfers in Devin Askew (Texas) and DeJuan Clayton (Hartford). Cal posted a 12-20 record, including a 5-15 mark in Pac-12 play, in 2021-22.

The Bears are led by a familiar face to Wildcat fans in fourth-year head coach Mark Fox, who is a native of Garden City, Kansas, and a former assistant coach at K-State from 1994-2000. During his six-year stint on the coaching staff of head coach Tom Asbury, Fox helped the Wildcats post 85 wins with three postseason appearances, including a trip to the 1996 NCAA Tournament. Fox's wife, Cindy, also spent time in the K-State Athletics Department, serving five years as Assistant AD for Marketing and Senior Woman Administrator (SWA).

This is the second home-and-home series Fox has struck with K-State as his Georgia team split a pair of games with the Wildcats in both 2014 and 2015.

The Cal game completes the non-conference schedule for the 2022-23 season, as the athletics department has already announced several aspects, including the bracket for the Cayman Islands Classic, the home games with Wichita State and Florida in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge, the return of the Wildcat Classic with Nebraska at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City and a road game at Butler in the Big 12/BIG EAST Battle.

The rest of the 2022-23 non-conference schedule will be released soon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/7/1657919785022.png" alt="Kansas State Athletics" />
 <figcaption>Kansas State Athletics</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. – Kansas State has signed a two-game, home-and-home scheduling agreement in men's basketball with Pac-12 foe California, the two athletics departments announced on Thursday (July 14).he two schools will open the series in Berkeley at Haas Pavilion on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, before finishing at Bramlage Coliseum at a date to be determined during the 2024-25 season. It marks the second such home-and-home series that the schools have signed following a pair of meetings during the 2006-07 and 2007-08 seasons.The contest at Cal will be the first road game under first-year head coach Jerome Tang.K-State and Cal have met seven times since their first meeting in 1953 with the Wildcats holding a 6-1 advantage. The two schools will meet for the first time since that aforementioned home-and-home series in 2006 and 2007, as the Bears won 78-48 at home on November 29, 2006, before the Wildcats earned an 82-75 win at home on December 9, 2007. The 2022 matchup will be the fourth such meeting (1953, 1958 and 2006) in Berkeley.The Bears return several lettermen in 2022-23, including rising junior guard Jalen Celestine (7.5 ppg., 3.1 rpg.), senior guard Joel Brown (4.8 ppg., 3.5 rpg.) and senior forward Kuany Kuany (4.8 ppg., 2.4 rpg.). They will also welcome four newcomers, including a pair of high-level transfers in Devin Askew (Texas) and DeJuan Clayton (Hartford). Cal posted a 12-20 record, including a 5-15 mark in Pac-12 play, in 2021-22.The Bears are led by a familiar face to Wildcat fans in fourth-year head coach Mark Fox, who is a native of Garden City, Kansas, and a former assistant coach at K-State from 1994-2000. During his six-year stint on the coaching staff of head coach Tom Asbury, Fox helped the Wildcats post 85 wins with three postseason appearances, including a trip to the 1996 NCAA Tournament. Fox's wife, Cindy, also spent time in the K-State Athletics Department, serving five years as Assistant AD for Marketing and Senior Woman Administrator (SWA).This is the second home-and-home series Fox has struck with K-State as his Georgia team split a pair of games with the Wildcats in both 2014 and 2015.The Cal game completes the non-conference schedule for the 2022-23 season, as the athletics department has already announced several aspects, including the bracket for the Cayman Islands Classic, the home games with Wichita State and Florida in the SEC/Big 12 Challenge, the return of the Wildcat Classic with Nebraska at the T-Mobile Center in Kansas City and a road game at Butler in the Big 12/BIG EAST Battle.The rest of the 2022-23 non-conference schedule will be released soon.

K-State Inks Two-Game Series with Cal

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals spent Thursday patching up a roster missing 10 players barred from traveling to Toronto because of their COVID-19 vaccination status while trying to smooth over their damaged image among fans.

Among the nearly 40% of players on the 26-man roster who were left home were All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi, two-time All-Star Whit Merrifield, future cornerstones Kyle Isbel and MJ Melendez and outfielder Michael A. Taylor.

Merrifield was the most expansive among the seven players who discussed their decision Wednesday, claiming “the vaccine, what it's supposed to do, it's not doing. If it was doing what it was supposed to do and stopping the spread of COVID (then) I would have a little more willingness to take it, but it's not doing that."

While it’s true that people who are vaccinated can still get infected, research has shown that inoculation is effective at preventing severe disease, hospitalization and death.

Merrifield then drew the ire of Royals fans when he said, “Something happens and I happen to get on a team that has a chance to go play in Canada in the postseason, maybe that changes" — which many in Kansas City took to mean he won't get vaccinated for his current team but is open to doing it for a contender.

“You wish he could have said what he needed to say or wanted to say differently,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said before Thursday's game, which the Royals managed to win 3-1 with their makeshift roster. “That happens, unfortunately. Every time we get in this scenario there’s a risk of something not being said the way you wanted to. But once that’s done, you need to move forward, and there’s some work to be done.”

Merrifield is a two-time All-Star who has spent his entire career with Kansas City, debuting with the Royals in 2016.

“What he’s done is remarkable, the kind of player he’s been for this organization and will continue to be,” Matheny said. “There’s just things at times where we’ve got to work around mistakes.”

Royals president Dayton Moore also defended Merrifield earlier Thursday during an interview with local talk radio. “He was caught in a situation where it just didn't come out right. ... He's very sorry for what he said.”

Later in the day, the club tweeted: “The Royals have hosted multiple free COVID-19 vaccine events for the community and encourage all to be vaccinated and safe so we can live our fullest lives, in and away from the ballpark.”

The post included a link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, which says vaccines are proven “to reduce the risk of COVID-19, including the risk of severe illness and death among people who are fully vaccinated.” But new omicron variants are driving COVID-19 hospital admissions and deaths higher in recent weeks.

It's been an embarrassing two days for a franchise trying to build goodwill for a new downtown ballpark — with major public funding — but is struggling with fan apathy. There were just 11,016 on hand for the Royals' win over Detroit on Wednesday, dragging their season average down to 15,768, better than four other clubs.

“We’ve always been an organization that promotes and encourages individual choices,” said Moore, who insisted the Royals' medical staff, coaches and front office have tried to educate players about the efficacy of vaccines.

“Unfortunately, some of this affects the team," Moore said. "We’re disappointed in some of that.”

Like Merrifield, Benintendi and Taylor are potential trade pieces for the last-place club, and their vaccination status might impact what kind of return Kansas City could expect for them ahead of the Aug. 2 trade deadline.

“For me, it was a personal decision,” Benintendi said, “and I’m going to leave it at that.”

The other Royals players barred from making the trip to Toronto were first baseman Hunter Dozier, right-handed starters Brad Keller and Brady Singer, reliever Dylan Coleman and backup catcher Cam Gallagher.

Pitching coach Cal Eldred, assistant hitting coach Keoni De Renne and bullpen catcher Parker Morin also did not travel, while Triple-A Omaha manager Scott Thorman was brought along to assist Matheny's staff.

There had been 25 players all season placed on MLB's restricted list for being unvaccinated before the 10 from Kansas City, and the most any team had been without was four. All but two of the 35 were born in the U.S.

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.

“We’ve talked to these guys," Dozier said of his vaccinated teammates. "They’re not judging us at all.”

Nevertheless, they were left to play alongside minor leaguers in their last series before the All-Star break.

The Royals recalled infielder Nick Pratto and purchased the contracts of infielders Nate Eaton and Michael Massey, catcher Freddy Fermin and outfielder Brewer Hicklen from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday. They also recalled infielder Maikel Garcia, catcher Sebastian Rivero and left-hander Angel Zerpa from Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

“Any time you get an opportunity to play the game that you’ve dreamed of since you were 4 years old, it’s a dream come true,” Hicklen said. “All of us are just embracing the moment, taking advantage of it.”

Rivero has appeared in 20 games over the past two seasons, Zerpa had made two career appearances before he started and won Thursday night's game by allowing one run in five innings. Hicklen struck out in his first two big league at-bats in May.

Eaton homered Thursday night in his big league debut, starting in center field. Pratto started at first base in his first big league game, striking out three times and walking once.

The moves left Kansas City with two roster spots they will be able to fill this weekend.

“I think it would be absolutely accurate to say that this group sees it as an underdog situation,” Matheny said. “I don’t know if that’s realistic or not. We have good players. They don’t have the major league experience, but there’s guys that have got major league ability. I’m excited to see how it plays out.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals spent Thursday patching up a roster missing 10 players barred from traveling to Toronto because of their COVID-19 vaccination status while trying to smooth over their damaged image among fans.Among the nearly 40% of players on the 26-man roster who were left home were All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi, two-time All-Star Whit Merrifield, future cornerstones Kyle Isbel and MJ Melendez and outfielder Michael A. Taylor.Merrifield was the most expansive among the seven players who discussed their decision Wednesday, claiming “the vaccine, what it's supposed to do, it's not doing. If it was doing what it was supposed to do and stopping the spread of COVID (then) I would have a little more willingness to take it, but it's not doing that."While it’s true that people who are vaccinated can still get infected, research has shown that inoculation is effective at preventing severe disease, hospitalization and death.Merrifield then drew the ire of Royals fans when he said, “Something happens and I happen to get on a team that has a chance to go play in Canada in the postseason, maybe that changes" — which many in Kansas City took to mean he won't get vaccinated for his current team but is open to doing it for a contender.“You wish he could have said what he needed to say or wanted to say differently,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said before Thursday's game, which the Royals managed to win 3-1 with their makeshift roster. “That happens, unfortunately. Every time we get in this scenario there’s a risk of something not being said the way you wanted to. But once that’s done, you need to move forward, and there’s some work to be done.”Merrifield is a two-time All-Star who has spent his entire career with Kansas City, debuting with the Royals in 2016.“What he’s done is remarkable, the kind of player he’s been for this organization and will continue to be,” Matheny said. “There’s just things at times where we’ve got to work around mistakes.”Royals president Dayton Moore also defended Merrifield earlier Thursday during an interview with local talk radio. “He was caught in a situation where it just didn't come out right. ... He's very sorry for what he said.”Later in the day, the club tweeted: “The Royals have hosted multiple free COVID-19 vaccine events for the community and encourage all to be vaccinated and safe so we can live our fullest lives, in and away from the ballpark.”The post included a link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website, which says vaccines are proven “to reduce the risk of COVID-19, including the risk of severe illness and death among people who are fully vaccinated.” But new omicron variants are driving COVID-19 hospital admissions and deaths higher in recent weeks.It's been an embarrassing two days for a franchise trying to build goodwill for a new downtown ballpark — with major public funding — but is struggling with fan apathy. There were just 11,016 on hand for the Royals' win over Detroit on Wednesday, dragging their season average down to 15,768, better than four other clubs.“We’ve always been an organization that promotes and encourages individual choices,” said Moore, who insisted the Royals' medical staff, coaches and front office have tried to educate players about the efficacy of vaccines.“Unfortunately, some of this affects the team," Moore said. "We’re disappointed in some of that.”Like Merrifield, Benintendi and Taylor are potential trade pieces for the last-place club, and their vaccination status might impact what kind of return Kansas City could expect for them ahead of the Aug. 2 trade deadline.“For me, it was a personal decision,” Benintendi said, “and I’m going to leave it at that.”The other Royals players barred from making the trip to Toronto were first baseman Hunter Dozier, right-handed starters Brad Keller and Brady Singer, reliever Dylan Coleman and backup catcher Cam Gallagher.Pitching coach Cal Eldred, assistant hitting coach Keoni De Renne and bullpen catcher Parker Morin also did not travel, while Triple-A Omaha manager Scott Thorman was brought along to assist Matheny's staff.There had been 25 players all season placed on MLB's restricted list for being unvaccinated before the 10 from Kansas City, and the most any team had been without was four. All but two of the 35 were born in the U.S.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.“We’ve talked to these guys," Dozier said of his vaccinated teammates. "They’re not judging us at all.”Nevertheless, they were left to play alongside minor leaguers in their last series before the All-Star break.The Royals recalled infielder Nick Pratto and purchased the contracts of infielders Nate Eaton and Michael Massey, catcher Freddy Fermin and outfielder Brewer Hicklen from Triple-A Omaha on Thursday. They also recalled infielder Maikel Garcia, catcher Sebastian Rivero and left-hander Angel Zerpa from Double-A Northwest Arkansas.“Any time you get an opportunity to play the game that you’ve dreamed of since you were 4 years old, it’s a dream come true,” Hicklen said. “All of us are just embracing the moment, taking advantage of it.”Rivero has appeared in 20 games over the past two seasons, Zerpa had made two career appearances before he started and won Thursday night's game by allowing one run in five innings. Hicklen struck out in his first two big league at-bats in May.Eaton homered Thursday night in his big league debut, starting in center field. Pratto started at first base in his first big league game, striking out three times and walking once.The moves left Kansas City with two roster spots they will be able to fill this weekend.“I think it would be absolutely accurate to say that this group sees it as an underdog situation,” Matheny said. “I don’t know if that’s realistic or not. We have good players. They don’t have the major league experience, but there’s guys that have got major league ability. I’m excited to see how it plays out.”

Royals patching up roster, image among fans

The NFHS Softball Rules Committee has approved the wearing of jewelry in the sport, effective with the 2023 season. Previously, only medical and religious medals were permitted.

The removal of the previous Rule 3-2-12 from the 2022 NFHS Softball Rules Book headlined a set of six rules changes forwarded by the committee. The six proposed changes were compiled at the committee’s recent rules meeting held June 13-15 at the Conrad Hotel in downtown Indianapolis and were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

“The NFHS Softball Rules Committee has entertained this possible rule change on multiple occasions based on previous proposals submitted by the membership,” said Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the NFHS Softball Rules Committee. “This year’s overwhelming member response in favor of permitting the wearing of jewelry strongly influenced the Committee’s decision to approve this proposal. Rule language, however, continues to allow umpires the authority to expel items they deem dangerous or distracting to any player.”

In a causal change, Rule 3-6-11 strengthens language to emphasize that electronic devices only be used in the dugout during games to prevent teams from utilizing them as an on-field signaling system under the new jewelry-friendly regulations.

Color restrictions for gloves and mitts were also loosened as part of Rule 1-4-1. Previously, gloves and mitts could not consist of more than two colors excluding lacing and manufacturer’s logos. For the 2023 season, there will be no limit on the number of colors as long as no part of the glove/mitt – including lacing and seams – is the same color as the ball; has markings that give the appearance of the ball; or is made in a manner that is distracting to the umpire.

To more accurately depict final scores and individual and team statistics, a new clause was added to Rule 4-2-1 stating that all baserunners involved in a game-ending home run will be scored and credited to the winning team. Previously, only the number of runs needed to win the contest were officially counted in the final score.

Rule 8-2-7, which deals with batter-runner interference, was reformatted to address the infraction in fair territory – “with a fielder attempting to make an initial play on a fair batted ball” (Rule 8-2-7a) – and in foul territory – “with a fielder attempting to field a fly ball over foul territory” (Rule 8-2-7b).

The final rule change for the 2023 season is the insertion of Rule 2-20-1g pertaining to the definition of a fair ball. This new language clarifies that a batted ball will be ruled a fair ball and a dead ball in the instance an offensive player interferes with a defensive player while the ball is in fair territory. Placing this language within the definition of a fair ball also makes it consistent with the definition of a foul ball that is covered in Rule 2-25-1e.

A complete listing of the softball rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities &amp; Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Softball.”

According to the most recent NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, fast-pitch softball is the fifth-most popular sport for girls with 362,038 participants in 15,877 high schools nationwide. The survey also indicated an additional 6,602 participants in slow-pitch softball.

The NFHS Softball Rules Committee has approved the wearing of jewelry in the sport, effective with the 2023 season. Previously, only medical and religious medals were permitted.The removal of the previous Rule 3-2-12 from the 2022 NFHS Softball Rules Book headlined a set of six rules changes forwarded by the committee. The six proposed changes were compiled at the committee’s recent rules meeting held June 13-15 at the Conrad Hotel in downtown Indianapolis and were subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.“The NFHS Softball Rules Committee has entertained this possible rule change on multiple occasions based on previous proposals submitted by the membership,” said Sandy Searcy, NFHS director of sports and liaison to the NFHS Softball Rules Committee. “This year’s overwhelming member response in favor of permitting the wearing of jewelry strongly influenced the Committee’s decision to approve this proposal. Rule language, however, continues to allow umpires the authority to expel items they deem dangerous or distracting to any player.”In a causal change, Rule 3-6-11 strengthens language to emphasize that electronic devices only be used in the dugout during games to prevent teams from utilizing them as an on-field signaling system under the new jewelry-friendly regulations.Color restrictions for gloves and mitts were also loosened as part of Rule 1-4-1. Previously, gloves and mitts could not consist of more than two colors excluding lacing and manufacturer’s logos. For the 2023 season, there will be no limit on the number of colors as long as no part of the glove/mitt – including lacing and seams – is the same color as the ball; has markings that give the appearance of the ball; or is made in a manner that is distracting to the umpire.To more accurately depict final scores and individual and team statistics, a new clause was added to Rule 4-2-1 stating that all baserunners involved in a game-ending home run will be scored and credited to the winning team. Previously, only the number of runs needed to win the contest were officially counted in the final score.Rule 8-2-7, which deals with batter-runner interference, was reformatted to address the infraction in fair territory – “with a fielder attempting to make an initial play on a fair batted ball” (Rule 8-2-7a) – and in foul territory – “with a fielder attempting to field a fly ball over foul territory” (Rule 8-2-7b).The final rule change for the 2023 season is the insertion of Rule 2-20-1g pertaining to the definition of a fair ball. This new language clarifies that a batted ball will be ruled a fair ball and a dead ball in the instance an offensive player interferes with a defensive player while the ball is in fair territory. Placing this language within the definition of a fair ball also makes it consistent with the definition of a foul ball that is covered in Rule 2-25-1e.A complete listing of the softball rules changes will be available on the NFHS website at www.nfhs.org. Click on “Activities &amp; Sports” at the top of the home page and select “Softball.”According to the most recent NFHS High School Athletics Participation Survey, fast-pitch softball is the fifth-most popular sport for girls with 362,038 participants in 15,877 high schools nationwide. The survey also indicated an additional 6,602 participants in slow-pitch softball.

Jewelry Permitted in 2023 High School Softball Rules Changes

TORONTO (AP) — Teoscar Hernández and Matt Chapman hit three-run home runs, Alek Manoah snapped a three-start winless streak with seven strong innings and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the depleted Kansas City Royals 8-1 on Friday night.

Kansas City, in last place in the AL Central, was without 10 unvaccinated players and bolstered its roster with Triple-A and Double-A prospects. The Royals, who won the first game of the series 3-1 on Thursday, lost for the second time in seven games.

Foreign nationals who aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19 are not allowed to enter Canada, save for limited exceptions that require a 14-day quarantine. Unvaccinated baseball players are placed on the restricted list, which means they are not paid and do not accrue major league service time.

Among the 10 players on Kansas City’s 26-man roster who stayed home were All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi, two-time All-Star Whit Merrifield, future cornerstones Kyle Isbel and MJ Melendez and outfielder Michael A. Taylor. Also barred were first baseman Hunter Dozier, right-handed starters Brad Keller and Brady Singer, reliever Dylan Coleman and backup catcher Cam Gallagher.

“There’s no rift between us,” Royals infielder Nicky Lopez said of Kansas City’s absentees. “We respect their decision.”

A second-year right-hander, Manoah (10-4) came in having lost consecutive starts for the first time in his brief career. He turned that around by giving up one run and four hits, walking none and striking out six.

“He’s a beast,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “He’s got another gear with runners in scoring position when he runs into trouble.”

Royals manager Mike Matheny said Manoah’s slider was tricky for the young Royals to handle.

“He’s got a different slider,” Matheny said. “I mean, it just has different metrics to it, it has different break. You could tell the guys were having a little bit of trouble with him, especially some of the guys who hadn’t seen him before, which was most of them. He really capitalized on that pitch today.”

Manoah’s next appearance will be for the American League at next week’s All-Star game in Los Angeles.

“Hopefully I can get in the game early so I get to throw to (Blue Jays teammate and catcher Alejandro Kirk),” Manoah said. “Hopefully Dusty Baker will put me in there early.”

Trevor Richards and Anthony Banda each worked an inning of relief.

Chapman and Raimel Tapia each had three hits as the Blue Jays piled up 16 total. Toronto is 5-10 in July.

Hernández connected off Royals right-hander Zack Greinke in the third, his 12th homer of the season. Chapman’s homer, his 15th, came off Royals call- up Carlos Hernández in the fifth.

Greinke (3-6) allowed four runs, three earned, in four innings, losing to the Blue Jays for the first time since June 5, 2009, when new teammate first baseman Nick Pratto was 10 years old. Greinke had gone 3-0 with a 2.38 ERA in five starts against Toronto since.

“At times he made some pretty good pitches that were getting hit and that was frustrating for him,” Matheny said.

Pratto had his first big league hit, a single in the fifth, but the Royals didn’t manage much against Manoah, who improved to 11-1 with a 2.20 ERA in 18 career starts north of the border.

Shortstop Maikel Garcia became the fifth Kansas City player to make his debut this series when he replaced Bobby Witt Jr. on defense in the bottom of the sixth.

Pratto doubled in the ninth to finish 2 for 4.

Greinke made his 503rd career start, breaking a tie with Old Hoss Radbourn and moving into 46th place on baseball’s all-time list.

Blue Jays starting pitchers have allowed two earned runs or fewer in eight of the past nine games.

Kansas CIty has lost 18 of its past 26 meetings with the Blue Jays, including 10 of 12 in Toronto.

Kansas City returned LHP Angel Zerpa to Double-A Northwest Arkansas, activated RHP Josh Staumont (strained neck) off the injured list and recalled Hernández from Triple-A Omaha. Hernández replaced RHP Brad Keller, who last pitched Monday, meaning he could not be replaced until Friday.

Blue Jays: After throwing a side session Thursday, LHP Yusei Kikcuhi will test his strained neck with a bullpen session Sunday. Kikuchi has been out since July 6.

LHP Daniel Lynch (3-7, 4.92) starts for the Royals on Saturday. Toronto has not named a starter, but RHP Max Castillo (0-0, 2.30) is a candidate to start for the Blue Jays. Lynch is 0-2 with a 6.94 ERA in two starts against Toronto.

TORONTO (AP) — Teoscar Hernández and Matt Chapman hit three-run home runs, Alek Manoah snapped a three-start winless streak with seven strong innings and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the depleted Kansas City Royals 8-1 on Friday night.Kansas City, in last place in the AL Central, was without 10 unvaccinated players and bolstered its roster with Triple-A and Double-A prospects. The Royals, who won the first game of the series 3-1 on Thursday, lost for the second time in seven games.Foreign nationals who aren’t vaccinated against COVID-19 are not allowed to enter Canada, save for limited exceptions that require a 14-day quarantine. Unvaccinated baseball players are placed on the restricted list, which means they are not paid and do not accrue major league service time.Among the 10 players on Kansas City’s 26-man roster who stayed home were All-Star outfielder Andrew Benintendi, two-time All-Star Whit Merrifield, future cornerstones Kyle Isbel and MJ Melendez and outfielder Michael A. Taylor. Also barred were first baseman Hunter Dozier, right-handed starters Brad Keller and Brady Singer, reliever Dylan Coleman and backup catcher Cam Gallagher.“There’s no rift between us,” Royals infielder Nicky Lopez said of Kansas City’s absentees. “We respect their decision.”A second-year right-hander, Manoah (10-4) came in having lost consecutive starts for the first time in his brief career. He turned that around by giving up one run and four hits, walking none and striking out six.“He’s a beast,” Blue Jays manager John Schneider said. “He’s got another gear with runners in scoring position when he runs into trouble.”Royals manager Mike Matheny said Manoah’s slider was tricky for the young Royals to handle.“He’s got a different slider,” Matheny said. “I mean, it just has different metrics to it, it has different break. You could tell the guys were having a little bit of trouble with him, especially some of the guys who hadn’t seen him before, which was most of them. He really capitalized on that pitch today.”Manoah’s next appearance will be for the American League at next week’s All-Star game in Los Angeles.“Hopefully I can get in the game early so I get to throw to (Blue Jays teammate and catcher Alejandro Kirk),” Manoah said. “Hopefully Dusty Baker will put me in there early.”Trevor Richards and Anthony Banda each worked an inning of relief.Chapman and Raimel Tapia each had three hits as the Blue Jays piled up 16 total. Toronto is 5-10 in July.Hernández connected off Royals right-hander Zack Greinke in the third, his 12th homer of the season. Chapman’s homer, his 15th, came off Royals call- up Carlos Hernández in the fifth.Greinke (3-6) allowed four runs, three earned, in four innings, losing to the Blue Jays for the first time since June 5, 2009, when new teammate first baseman Nick Pratto was 10 years old. Greinke had gone 3-0 with a 2.38 ERA in five starts against Toronto since.“At times he made some pretty good pitches that were getting hit and that was frustrating for him,” Matheny said.Pratto had his first big league hit, a single in the fifth, but the Royals didn’t manage much against Manoah, who improved to 11-1 with a 2.20 ERA in 18 career starts north of the border.Shortstop Maikel Garcia became the fifth Kansas City player to make his debut this series when he replaced Bobby Witt Jr. on defense in the bottom of the sixth.Pratto doubled in the ninth to finish 2 for 4.PASSING OLD HOSSGreinke made his 503rd career start, breaking a tie with Old Hoss Radbourn and moving into 46th place on baseball’s all-time list.START ME UPBlue Jays starting pitchers have allowed two earned runs or fewer in eight of the past nine games.ROYAL PAINKansas CIty has lost 18 of its past 26 meetings with the Blue Jays, including 10 of 12 in Toronto.ROSTER MOVESKansas City returned LHP Angel Zerpa to Double-A Northwest Arkansas, activated RHP Josh Staumont (strained neck) off the injured list and recalled Hernández from Triple-A Omaha. Hernández replaced RHP Brad Keller, who last pitched Monday, meaning he could not be replaced until Friday.TRAINER’S ROOMBlue Jays: After throwing a side session Thursday, LHP Yusei Kikcuhi will test his strained neck with a bullpen session Sunday. Kikuchi has been out since July 6.UP NEXTLHP Daniel Lynch (3-7, 4.92) starts for the Royals on Saturday. Toronto has not named a starter, but RHP Max Castillo (0-0, 2.30) is a candidate to start for the Blue Jays. Lynch is 0-2 with a 6.94 ERA in two starts against Toronto.

Hernández, Chapman, Manoah lead Toronto past depleted Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs and Pro Bowl left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. failed to reach a long-term deal before Friday's deadline, leaving the blindside protector for quarterback Patrick Mahomes playing on the franchise tag this season.

The Chiefs had been optimistic that they could sign Brown, whom they acquired from the Ravens for a package of draft picks prior to last season, to a long-term contract. But negotiations were slowed initially as Brown settled on representation, and then it became increasingly clear as time ran out that the sides remained far apart.

The Chiefs made a final pitch of six years and nearly $140 million, with $30.25 million guaranteed at signing, which would have made Brown one of the league's highest-paid left tackles. But it's unclear how much of the total deal was guaranteed, and that is likely what kept the sides from coming to an agreement.

In terms of average value, the 49ers' Trent Williams remains the league's highest paid left tackle at $23.01 million per year on the six-year, $138.06 million contract he signed last year. The Packers' David Bakhtiari set the standard before Williams and is making $23 million per year on the four-year, $92 million contract he signed in 2020.

The question facing the Chiefs now is whether Brown will report to training camp next week.

The Chiefs placed the franchise tag on the 26-year-old tackle, which means he would play next season for $16.7 million whenever he decides to sign the contract tender. But until that happens, Brown can skip training camp — just as he did with voluntary workouts and the Chiefs' mandatory minicamp — without risking any sort of fine.

He would miss valuable practice and conditioning time, though.

“He's a young guy so there's plenty of room to grow,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said at the conclusion of the minicamp last month. “He's wired the right way to do that, to attack that. I know he's been working out and doing the things he needs to do to get ready for camp. He's a young guy that's new to the position, is on the rise, I would hope.”

The Chiefs rebuilt their offensive line following a dismal performance against Tampa Bay in the Super Bowl two years ago, and Brown was expected to be the cornerstone of it. The Chiefs shipped a package of draft picks to Baltimore that included a first-round selection to get him, and the expectation all along has been that he would sign a long-term deal.

Brown started every game for the Chiefs last season, when he was selected to his third consecutive Pro Bowl, and helped to tutor a front five that included rookies in center Creed Humphrey and right guard Trey Smith.

“We love Orlando here. He’s a good human being and he’s a good professional,” Reid said. “He’s grown up around it. I think he’s got good counsel. So, we just have to work through it.”

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Chiefs and Pro Bowl left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. failed to reach a long-term deal before Friday's deadline, leaving the blindside protector for quarterback Patrick Mahomes playing on the franchise tag this season.The Chiefs had been optimistic that they could sign Brown, whom they acquired from the Ravens for a package of draft picks prior to last season, to a long-term contract. But negotiations were slowed initially as Brown settled on representation, and then it became increasingly clear as time ran out that the sides remained far apart.The Chiefs made a final pitch of six years and nearly $140 million, with $30.25 million guaranteed at signing, which would have made Brown one of the league's highest-paid left tackles. But it's unclear how much of the total deal was guaranteed, and that is likely what kept the sides from coming to an agreement.In terms of average value, the 49ers' Trent Williams remains the league's highest paid left tackle at $23.01 million per year on the six-year, $138.06 million contract he signed last year. The Packers' David Bakhtiari set the standard before Williams and is making $23 million per year on the four-year, $92 million contract he signed in 2020.The question facing the Chiefs now is whether Brown will report to training camp next week.The Chiefs placed the franchise tag on the 26-year-old tackle, which means he would play next season for $16.7 million whenever he decides to sign the contract tender. But until that happens, Brown can skip training camp — just as he did with voluntary workouts and the Chiefs' mandatory minicamp — without risking any sort of fine.He would miss valuable practice and conditioning time, though.“He's a young guy so there's plenty of room to grow,” Chiefs coach Andy Reid said at the conclusion of the minicamp last month. “He's wired the right way to do that, to attack that. I know he's been working out and doing the things he needs to do to get ready for camp. He's a young guy that's new to the position, is on the rise, I would hope.”The Chiefs rebuilt their offensive line following a dismal performance against Tampa Bay in the Super Bowl two years ago, and Brown was expected to be the cornerstone of it. The Chiefs shipped a package of draft picks to Baltimore that included a first-round selection to get him, and the expectation all along has been that he would sign a long-term deal.Brown started every game for the Chiefs last season, when he was selected to his third consecutive Pro Bowl, and helped to tutor a front five that included rookies in center Creed Humphrey and right guard Trey Smith.“We love Orlando here. He’s a good human being and he’s a good professional,” Reid said. “He’s grown up around it. I think he’s got good counsel. So, we just have to work through it.”