TODAY S STARTING PITCHERS: Jeff Samardzija (7-13, 2.99 ERA in 14) vs. Yordano Ventura (14-10, 3.20 ERA in 14)

Transcription

1 Kansas City Royals OFFICIAL GAME NOTES Chciago White Sox Kansas City Royals (0-0) Kauffman Stadium - Monday, April 6, 2015 Game #1 - Home Game #1 Fox Sports Kansas City (HD) and KCSP Radio (610 Sports) UPCOMING PITCHING PROBABLES Tuesday, April 7: Off day Wednesday, April 8 vs. Chicago White Sox: LHP Jose Quintana vs. LHP Danny Duffy, 7:10 p.m. (CDT), FSKC (HD) & 610 Sports Thursday, April 9 vs. Chicago White Sox: LHP John Danks vs. RHP Edinson Volquez, 1:10 p.m. (CDT), FSKC (HD) & 610 Sports Friday, April Los Angeles Angels: LHP Jason Vargas vs. TBA, 9:05 p.m. (CDT), FSKC (HD) & 610 Sports Saturday, April Los Angeles Angels: RHP Jeremy Guthrie vs. TBA, 8:05 p.m. (CDT), FOX Sports 1 (HD) & 610 Sports Sunday, April Los Angeles Angels: RHP Yordano Ventura (0-0+ today) vs. TBA, 2:35 p.m. (CDT), FSKC (HD) & 610 Sports Today s game is being broadcast in Kansas City on KCSP Radio (610 Sports) and the Royals Radio Network with Denny Matthews, Steve Physioc and Steve Stewart, while Don Free controls the dials as the producer/engineer...today s game is being televised in High Definition by Fox Sports Kansas City with Ryan Lefebvre and Rex Hudler...the pre and postgame show on FSKC, Royals Live, is hosted by Joel Goldberg, who is joined by Jeff Montgomery. White Sox vs. Royals Today kicks off the 19-game season series between these A.L. Central rivals...just 9 of the 19 will be contested here in Kansas City, while 10 will take place in the Windy City...the Royals were 13-6 vs. the ChiSox last year, including a 5-4 ledger here and solid 8-2 mark in The Cell including the playoff clinching triumph on the final Friday of the regular season...kc trails the all-time series by a mark, but holds a advantage in Kansas City, in The K. Date Site Score WP LP Att. 4/6 KC 4/8 KC 4/9 KC Chi Chi Chi Chi Chi Chi Chi 8/7 KC 8/8 KC 8/9 KC 9/4 KC 9/5 KC 9/6 KC Chi Chi Chi KC STARTS TITLE DEFENSE--The 47th season opener in franchise history will start with the raising of the American League Championship banner and distribution of rings to those who participated last season, but once the ceremonies are completed the Royals will begin their first title defense since last year s ledger was good enough to qualify as a Wild Card entrant into the postseason tournament and KC took full advantage by establishing a Major League record by winning each of its first eight playoff games... the streak encompassed the crazy 9-8 Wild Card victory here over the A s and was subsequently followed by a 3-0 sweep of the Angels in the ALDS and a 4-0 brooming of the Orioles in the ALCS, clinching all three advancements here in Kauffman Stadium...Kansas City s first loss was in Game #1 of the World Series vs. San Francisco and its last setback occurred here in Game #7. OPENING DAY DROUGHT--The Royals are opening the year in Kauffman Stadium for the first time since 2011 when KC dropped a 4-2 decision to the Angels...overall, Kansas City is seeking to snap a 6-game slide in season openers, the last win occurring in Detroit on March 31, 2008, a 5-4 victory over the Tigers... the Royals last won in The K in a lid-lifter on April 2, 2007, when Gil Meche stymied the Red Sox in a 7-1 victory...kansas City is in season openers with today the 24th time that Kansas City has opened at home, posting a mark...this marks the eighth time that KC has started its season against the White Sox, going 3-4 in the first seven, including a 3-1 mark here vs. the ChiSox. ROAD WARRIORS IN 14--Last year s club posted the franchise s most wins (89) and best winning percentage (.549) since recording a mark during the 1989 season...the 2014 Royals went on the road, the most regular season road wins in the American League last year, only two behind the big league leading Dodgers and the most for the franchise since winning a club record 48 away from home in KC then went 4-2 away from The K in the postseason, highlighted by 2-0 stops in both Anaheim and Baltimore, before going 1-2 in San Francisco during the Fall Classic. FINAL ROSTER--The Royals finalized their 2015 Opening Day roster by selecting the contracts of right-handed pitcher Ryan Madson and left-handed pitcher Franklin Morales, adding them to the 25-man Major League roster...the club placed left-handed pitcher Tim Collins (Tommy John surgery) and right-handed pitcher Luke Hochevar (recovery from Tommy John surgery) on the 15-day disabled list to start the year...the final roster features 12 pitchers (Wade Davis, Danny Duffy-LHP, Jason Frasor, Jeremy Guthrie, Kelvin Herrera, Greg Holland, Madson, Morales, Jason Vargas-LHP, Yordano Ventura, Edinson Volquez and Chris Young); two catchers (Erik Kratz and Salvador Perez); six infielders (Christian Colon, Alcides Escobar, Eric Hosmer, Omar Infante, Kendrys Morales and Mike Moustakas) and five outfielders (Lorenzo Cain, Jarrod Dyson, Alex Gordon, Paulo Orlando and Alex Rios). NEW FACES IN The Royals have 11 players today that weren t on last year s Opening Day roster in Detroit...newcomers to KC s roster since the 2014 opener include Christian Colon, Danny Duffy, Jason Frasor, Erik Kratz, Ryan Madson, Franklin Morales, Kendrys Morales, Paulo Orlando, Alex Rios, Edinson Volquez and Chris Young...the Royals are starting seven players from last year s Opening Day lineup (Lorenzo Cain, Alcides Escobar, Alex Gordon, Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Salvador Perez and Omar Infante)...Gordon and Escobar now have the longest current Opening Day lineup streak with today their fifth straight and the eighth in the last nine years for Gordon...the five straight starts in leftfield for Gordo establish a club mark for that position that he had shared with Bo Jackson. TODAY S STARTING PITCHERS: Jeff Samardzija (7-13, 2.99 ERA in 14) vs. Yordano Ventura (14-10, 3.20 ERA in 14) Career Career Jeff Samardzija vs. Royals Major League Record 7-13 (2.99 ERA) Yordano Ventura vs. White Sox Major League Record (3.20 ERA) YORDANO VENTURA receives his first Opening Day assignment, becoming the second-youngest Royals pitcher (23 years, 306 days) to start on Opening Day... he received a five-year contract with two option years on Saturday...today is his 34th regular season start and 35th overall outing and his fifth career start vs. the White Sox...he was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent on October 8, 2008 out of the Dominican Republic...he s the 23rd different overall Opening Day starter in team history, sixth in the last seven years. LOOKING BACK AT 14--Yordano produced one of the best rookie seasons by a Royals pitcher in club history, becoming just the fourth KC freshman hurler to start 30 games or more...his 14 victories tied Rich Gale (1978) for fourth by a Royals rookie and were tops since Tom Gordon s team-record 17 wins during his first season (1988)...he led MLB first-year pitchers in innings (183.0) and opponents average (.240), while setting the club s rookie record with 22 quality starts, which were also tops among A.L. rookies in YOUNGEST OPENING DAY HURLER IN 42 YEARS--At 23 years, 307 days (born June 3, 1991), Yordano becomes the second-youngest Royals pitcher to start an Opening Day game, behind only Steve Busby s (23 years, 189 days) outing in the 1973 lid-lifter against the Angels at The Big A...Ventura s start today also marks just the fifth time in team history that it s Opening Day starting pitcher is younger than 25 years of age...according to Elias Sports Bureau, Yordano is the sixth Major League pitcher under the age of 24 to get an Opening Day assignment since the start of 2011, and the only one scheduled to go this season. SPRING STATS--Ventura went 1-0 in his five spring starts (9 ER in 18.0 IP), with eight of his nine earned runs coming over two outings against Cleveland...he recorded 16 strikeouts...his best outing was on the evening of March 27, when he no-hit the Mariners for 7.0 frames before hitting his pitch limit and coming out of the game, a 5-1 Royals win. POSTSEASON SUCCESS--Not only did Ace enjoy a brilliant rookie season, he continued his fine work into the postseason, going 1-0 with a 3.20 ERA (9 ER in 25.1 IP) in five appearances (four starts)...he capped his year with 7.0 shutout innings in a do-or-die Game #6 of the World Series as KC forced a deciding game in a 10-0 triumph...in his two World Series starts, Ventura allowed just two runs in 12.1 frames (1.64 ERA). VS. CHISOX--Yordano is making his fifth career start against the White Sox, posting a 1-2 record and a 5.57 ERA (13 ER in 21.0 IP) in his four previous outings...his only win over Chicago came here on September 17 of last season, when he bested Chris Sale, 6-2, allowing one run over 7.0 innings. Ventura vs. White Sox Player AVG. AB H HR RBI Jose Abreu Gordon Beckham Melky Cabrera Adam Eaton Tyler Flowers Avisail Garcia Conor Gillaspie Alexei Ramirez Carlos Sanchez Yordano s 2015 spring appearances DATE OPPONENT SCORE IP H R ER HR BB SO TP-K LEFT Cleveland ND, /11 vs. San Diego ND, /16 vs. Cleveland ND, /27 vs. Seattle W, /1 vs. L.A. Dodgers ND, Spring Totals 1-0, HOME IMPROVEMENT--Ventura s home numbers were solid last season, 6-7 with a 3.21 ERA (34 ER in 95.1 IP) and a.238 opponents average...however, the rookie was 4-1 with a 2.61 ERA (12 ER in 41.1 IP) with 42 strikeouts after July 1...his.200 opponents average (30-for-150) in that span was tied for sixth in the American League among qualifying pitchers. Yordano s Last Regular Season Win: September 23, 2014 at Cleveland (7.0 IP, 7-1 over Danny Salazar) Yordano s Last Regular Season Loss: September 12, 2014 vs. Boston (7.0 IP, 2-4 to Allen Webster) Yordano s Strikeout High: 10, May 5, 2014 at San Diego (6.0 IP, no decision in a 6-5 loss in 12 innings) Kansas City Royals P.O. Box Kansas City, MO Kansas City Royals 2011

2 Pitching Notes Wednesday s Starter - Danny Duffy = Danny will start here on Wednesday night...the 26-year old made a career-high 31 appearances (25 starts) in 2014, going 9-12 with a 2.53 ERA over innings...the ERA was fifth-best among A.L. hurlers with at least innings, while his.209 opponents average set a new best for a Royals lefty. = Duffy fanned 7 D-backs over 5.0 innings in his final spring outing on March 28, allowing 4 runs on 7 hits and 2 walks as the Royals rallied for a 10-5 win. = Danny was 2-4 at The K last year, posting a 2.67 ERA...opponents batted.185, second-best in the A.L. to new teammate Chris Young among pitchers with at least 65.0 innings at home...duff is 4-12 in his career here, compared to on the road. = Duffy is 2-1 with a 3.24 ERA over 4 career starts vs. Chicago, with this the first matchup at home since he was 1-1 at The Cell last year, tossing 7.0 scoreless frames with 9 K s on June 14, then allowing 4 runs over 2.0 innings plus a batter on September 27. = The lefty has excelled in the division, posting a 2.80 ERA (46 ER in IP) through 29 career games and 26 starts Pitching Lines G W-L SV SVO ERA IP H R ER HR BB SO OPP AVG Starters Relievers Totals Bullpen Totals: 1st Batter Efficiency: 0/0 (0%) Saves/Save Opp: 0/0 (0%) Inherited Runners/Runners Scored: 0/0 (0%) Wade Davis 1st Batter Efficiency: 0/0 Saves/Save Opp: 0/0 (0%) Last Save: Sept. 10, 2014 at Det (3rd) Last Outing: IP H R ER BB SO Inherited Runners/Runners Scored: 0/ Strikeout High: April Houston (spring) = Wade is on an Opening Day roster for a sixth straight season, third with Kansas City. = He worked around a pair of 1-out hits for a scoreless eighth in Friday s 11-1 exhibition win at Houston...the inning ended with Salvador Perez picking off Jonathan Villar at third. = Davis earned Royals Pitcher of the Year honors in 2014 after leading MLB relievers and setting a Royals relief record with a 1.00 ERA (8 ER in 72.0 IP). = Wade made his second career Opening Day appearance last year at Detroit, taking the loss in a 4-3 final. Jason Frasor 1st Batter Efficiency: 0/0 Saves/Save Opp: 0/0 (0%) Last Save: Sept. 26, 2010 vs. Bal (36th) Last Outing: IP H R ER BB SO Inherited Runners/Runners Scored: 0/ Strikeout High: April Houston (spring) = This is Jason s 11th consecutive Opening Day in the Majors...he has pitched in his club s first game 5 times, going 1-1. = He allowed just 1 run over 10.1 spring innings, finishing with a scoreless frame on Friday at Minute Maid Park. = Jason is the oldest player on KC s Opening Day roster at 37 years, 240 days. = Frasor returned to the Royals on a one-year deal after making 23 appearances down the stretch...he pitched in 7 postseason games, earning a pair of wins. = Born in Chicago and raised in the suburb of Oak Forest, Jason made 20 appearances for the Sox in the second half of Kelvin Herrera 1st Batter Efficiency: 0/0 Saves/Save Opp: 0/0 (0%) Last Save: Apr. 10, 2013 vs. Min (5th) Last Outing: IP H R ER BB SO Inherited Runners/Runners Scored: 0/ Strikeout High: April Houston (spring) = Kelvin is on KC s Opening Day roster for a fourth consecutive year. = He tossed a seventh on Friday at Houston, finishing the exhibition slate with a 1.86 ERA (2 ER in 9.2 IP). = Herrera ranked fifth among MLB relievers with a 1.41 ERA in 2014 (11 ER in 70.0 IP)...he posted a 0.48 ERA from June 27 to the end of the regular season. = Kelvin s last home run allowed was on July 26, 2013 to Chicago s Conor Gillaspie...his 95.0 innings since that date is a club record for relievers. Greg Holland 1st Batter Efficiency: 0/0 Saves/Save Opp: 0/0 (0%) Last Save: Sept. 26, 2014 at CWS (113th) Last Outing: IP H R ER BB SO Inherited Runners/Runners Scored: 0/ Strikeout High: April Houston (spring) = Greg is on KC s Opening Day roster for a fourth straight season. = Holland earned the first Mariano Rivera Award in 2014, which goes to the A.L. s top relief pitcher...he saved 46 games, earning a second straight All-Star nod. = Greg recorded 7 saves in the 2014 Postseason, tying a single-season record. = Greg has not allowed a run of his own in 16 straight games vs. Chicago, dating to June 22, he has 12 saves over the stretch and is 21 of 22 for his career vs. Chicago. Ryan Madson 1st Batter Efficiency: 0/0 Saves/Save Opp: 0/0 (0%) Last Save: Sept. 26, 2011 at Atl (52nd) Last Outing: IP H R ER BB SO Inherited Runners/Runners Scored: 0/ Strikeout High: Mar SD (spring) = Ryan is looking to make his first Major League appearance since September 28, 2011 and first for a team other than the Phillies, having pitched in 491 games. = Madson appeared in 9 Cactus League games, striking out 6 with 3 earned runs allowed over 9.0 innings. = The righty has pitched on Opening Day 4 times, including a scoreless eighth inning in Philly s 5-4 win over Houston in Franklin Morales (L) 1st Batter Efficiency: 0/0 Saves/Save Opp: 0/0 (0%) Last Save: July 31, 2012 vs. Det (11th) Last Outing: IP H R ER BB SO Inherited Runners/Runners Scored: 0/ Strikeout High: April Houston (spring) = Franklin made the Opening Day roster after signing as a non-roster invitee on February 19. = Franklin pitched a scoreless sixth inning on Saturday at Houston, working around a leadoff bunt single. = Morales has pitched twice on Opening Day, including 2010, when he earned the save in Colorado s 5-3 win at Milwaukee. Chris Young 1st Batter Efficiency: 0/0 Saves/Save Opp: 0/0 (0%) Last Save: None Last Outing: IP H R ER BB SO Inherited Runners/Runners Scored: 0/ Strikeout High: April Houston (spring) = Chris looks to make his first Opening Day appearance, beginning a season on an active roster for the ninth time. = Young signed a one-year contract on March 7...he was 12-9 with a 3.65 ERA over 30 games (29 starts) for Seattle last year, earning A.L. Comeback Player of the Year honors after missing all of 2013 due to thoracic outlet syndrome. = Young s lone relief outing in 189 career appearances came a year ago today at Oakland...he retired 6 in a row, allowing an inherited run. = Once Chris appears in a game, he will tie former Royal and White Sox pitcher Andrew Sisco as the tallest player in KC history (6 10 ). Davis Duffy Frasor Guthrie Herrera Holland Madson - - Morales Vargas Ventura Volquez - - Young - - Royals vs. White Sox 2014 Career Pitcher W-L S ERA G IP H ER W-L S ERA G IP H ER

3 Hitting Notes Lorenzo Cain This Series: n/a This Stand: n/a Hit Streak: n/a = Lorenzo makes his fourth-straight Opening Day roster and will be the Royals starting center fielder for the third-straight year. = Ranked fifth among American League players during Spring Training, batting.382 (21-for-55), with four doubles and 10 RBI. = Blossomed in 2014, being named MVP of the American League Championship Series as well as the Royals Les Milgram Team MVP...set career highs in games (133), runs (55), hits (142), doubles (29), triples (4), RBI (53) and steals (28)...hit.301, the only KC regular to bat over.300. = Hit KC s first inside-the-park home run since 2010, circling the bases at Detroit on September 8...also recorded his second career walk-off hit, against these White Sox, on September 15, when his infield hit plated Terrance Gore with the winning run in a 4-3 triumph. Christian Colon This Series: n/a This Stand: n/a Hit Streak: n/a = Christian makes his first Opening Day roster, in his second big league season...made his Major League debut on July 2 of last year in Minnesota. = Played in 21 games for KC last year, recording a pair of 3-hit games, including July 4 in his first MLB start, at Cleveland...collected 2 doubles and a triple in his first start, becoming the second Royal to collect 3 extra-base hits in his first MLB start, joining Mark Quinn (1999 vs. the Angels). = Scored the winning run in the A.L. Wild Card Game in KC s 9-8 triumph over Oakland in 12 innings, tied the game earlier with an RBI infield single. = Batted.304 (14-for-46) during exhibition play, with 3 doubles, a triple and a.418 on-base percentage, which would have tied for seventh in the A.L., if he had the minimum number of plate appearances. Jarrod Dyson This Series: n/a This Stand: n/a Hit Streak: n/a = Jarrod makes his fourth career Opening Day roster and will serve as a reserve outfielder. = Batted.250 (12-for-48) with a homer, 5 RBI and 2 stolen bases during KC s exhibition games. = Swiped a career-high 36 bases in 2014, which tied for third-most in the A.L. with Detroit s Rajai Davis...they were the most by a Royal since Carlos Beltran lifted 41 bags during the 2003 season...enters this season tied with U.L. Washington (120) for ninth on the club s all-time list. Alcides Escobar This Series: n/a This Stand: n/a Hit Streak: n/a = Alcides will be the Royals Opening Day shortstop for the fifth-straight season...last season he started 162 games at short, the most since Jimmy Rollins also started all 162 at shortstop for the Phillies in = Struggled in Spring Training, batting just.180 (11-for-61) with 4 doubles and 6 runs scored. = Ended the 2014 season on a 9-game hitting streak, batting.425 (17-for-40) with 3 doubles and 3 RBI during the streak...batted.362 (25-for-69) as the club s leadoff hitter over the final two weeks of the regular season...collected a career-best 34 doubles, one shy of the Royals record by a shortstop (Kurt Stillwell, 1990). = Also had a 9-game hitting streak during the postseason, which started in Game #3 of the ALDS vs. the Angels and stretched to Game #4 of the World Series...tied for second-longest streak by a Royal in postseason play, trailing only Amos Otis (11, ). Alex Gordon This Series: n/a This Stand: n/a Hit Streak: n/a = Alex, a four-time Rawlings Gold Glove winner in left field, will make his eighth career Opening Day start...gordo became the first Royal to win four-consecutive Gold Glove awards since Frank White won five-straight ( )...he also became the club s first Platinum Glove winner in = Had off-season surgery on his right wrist...missed the first two weeks of Spring Training games, hitting.200 (7-for-35) with a homer and 2 RBI in 10 contests. = Ranked sixth in the A.L., batting.338 (44-for-130) with runners in scoring position in also tied for sixth in the league with 14 game-winning RBI...also tied for 14th in the league with Robinson Cano with 22 go-ahead RBI...13 of his 19 home runs either tied the game or gave KC the lead. = Started all 15 postseason games for KC in left field, setting a club record with 6 doubles...also hit a go-ahead homer in Game #1 of the ALCS vs. the Oriole in the 10th inning and collected four RBI to tie a club postseason record. Eric Hosmer This Series: n/a This Stand: n/a Hit Streak: n/a = Eric earned his second-straight Rawlings Gold Glove Award last season...he is the only Royals first sacker to earn a Gold Glove. = Tied for seventh among American League players with five home runs during exhibition play, to go along with a.333 batting average (21-for-63) with five doubles, 14 RBI and a.603 slugging pct. = Had another strong second half, batting.321 (53-for-165) with 14 doubles, a triple, 5 homers and 23 RBI after July 1...his.509 slugging pct. in that span ranked 11th in the American League...recorded a career-best 16-game hitting streak from June 30 to July 20. = Led the Royals with a.351 average (20-for-57) during the postseason...recorded 12 RBI, which set a KC postseason record...collected 3 hits in 3 different playoff games, while his 6 multi-hit games in the postseason were tied for the most with teammate Alcides Escobar and the Giants Hunter Pence. Omar Infante This Series: n/a This Stand: n/a Hit Streak: n/a = Omar battled injuries throughout his first season in Kansas City, but played in 135 games -- third-most in his career and highest since 2011 with the Marlins. = Limited to 15 Cactus League games due to a sore elbow...batted.326 (15-for-46) with 5 doubles and 5 RBI in KC s Spring Training games. = Recorded a career-best 66 RBI in 2014, seventh-most by a Royals second baseman...collected 29 of his RBI vs. A.L. Central foes. = Batted.318 (7-for-22) with 3 doubles and a homer during the World Series...hit a two-run shot in Game #2 of the Fall Classic off Hunter Strickland, his first postseason roundtripper after 145 at-bats without one...it ended the second-longest drought among active Major Leaguers. Erik Kratz This Series: n/a This Stand: n/a Hit Streak: n/a = Erik makes his first Opening Day roster as a member of the Royals and will serve as the club's backup catcher. = Batted.186 (8-for-21) in exhibition play, but slugged a pair of homers and also collected three doubles for a.395 slugging pct. = Traded to KC from Toronto on July 28, in a deal that included RHP Liam Hendriks and sent INF Danny Valencia to the Jays...played in 13 games over the final two months...slugged a pair of home runs in Minnesota on August 18, becoming the first Royal to collect a multi-homer game when entering as a pinch hitter. Kendrys Morales This Series: n/a This Stand: n/a Hit Streak: n/a = Kendrys signed a two-year deal with the Royals on December 16, coming over from Seattle...will serve as the designated hitter on Opening Day. = Batted.292 (21-for-72) with 5 doubles, 3 homers and 8 RBI in his 25 Spring Training Games...homered in his first at-bat vs. the Rangers on March 4. = Missed Spring Training last season as he did not sign with Minnesota until June 8...traded to Seattle on July 24...hit 7 home runs over his last 43 games, after going deep once in his first 55 contests...ranks ninth among active switch-hitters with 110 career roundtrippers. Mike Moustakas This Series: n/a This Stand: n/a Hit Streak: n/a = Moose makes his fourth career Opening Day start at third base...will hit out of the No. 2 spot in the batting order for just the second time in his career. = Enjoyed a solid Spring, batting.333 (20-for-60) with 5 doubles, 2 homers and 11 RBI in 22 games...also drew 5 walks to record a.394 OBP. = Blasted 15 home runs last season, which ranked seventh among A.L. third basemen...hit 12 of his home runs against right-handed pitching. = Had an impressive postseason, setting a Royals record with 5 home runs, which also led all of MLB in the 2014 playoffs...hit the go-ahead roundtripper in the 11th inning of Game #1 of the ALDS in Anaheim, helping KC to a 3-2 win...also blasted a 10th-inning shot in Game #1 of the ALCS at Camden Yards. Paulo Orlando This Series: n/a This Stand: n/a Hit Streak: n/a = Paulo is on the Major League roster for the first time in his career and looks to make his debut against his original organization...signed by the White Sox as a nondrafted free agent in acquired by Kansas City on August 9, 2008, in exchange for LHP Horacio Ramirez. = Batted.319 (15-for-47) with 3 doubles, a triple, a homer and 9 RBI in 24 Spring Training games to earn a spot on the 25-man roster. = When he does make his debut, he ll become the third Brazilian-born player to appear in a Major League game, joining catcher catcher Yan Gomes (266 games) and pitcher Andre Rienzo (29 games). Salvador Perez This Series: n/a This Stand: n/a Hit Streak: n/a = Salvy makes his third career Opening Day start...coming off a second-straight All-Star season, earning the starting nod behind the plate at the 2014 Midsummer Classic... also earned his second-straight Rawlings Gold Glove Award, starting a Royals record 143 games behind the plate. = Played in just 17 Spring Training Games, batting.321 (17-for-53) with 5 doubles, a homer and 10 RBI. = Caught every inning during the Royals postseason run...combining the regular season and postseason, his 161 games behind the plate were the most in MLB history... hit.333 (8-for-24) with a double and a homer during the World Series...his home run came against series MVP Madison Bumgarner in Game #1. = Led American League catchers in hits (150) and multi-hit games (40) and ranked second in extra-base hits (47) and tied for second in runs scored (57). = Went 4-for-4 with a double on Opening Day last season, March 31 at Detroit...became the first Royal to collect 4 hits on Opening Day since Fred Patek in Alex Rios This Series: n/a This Stand: n/a Hit Streak: n/a = Signed a one-year deal with the Royals on December 19 after spending the 2014 season with the Texas Rangers. = Enjoyed a solid Spring, hitting.308 (16-for-52) with 3 doubles, 3 homers and 8 RBI...homered in his first exhibition at-bat against his former club on March 4. = Got off to a fast start in 2014, leading the A.L. with a.335 batting average (84-for-251) through games of June 10...recorded 8 triples in his first 64 games, which was the fastest in Rangers history. = A member of the White Sox from enters 2015 as one of four active players (Jose Reyes, Jimmy Rollins, Carlos Beltran) with at least 300 doubles, 50 triples, 100 home runs and 200 stolen bases in his career...his 61 career triples rank 10th among active Major League players entering this season.

4 This & That PAULO FROM SAO PAULO--By breaking camp with Kansas City 29-year old outfielder Paulo Orlando is on a Major League roster for the first time in his 10-year professional career and when he appears in a game he will be the third native of Brazil to play in The Show...Orlando, acquired by the Royals in 2008 in a trade with this White Sox for lefthanded pitcher Horacio Ramirez, will join catcher Yan Gomes (266 games) and pitcher Andre Rienzo (29 games) as the only Brazilian natives to play in the Majors. COMEBACK COMPLETE--Another newcomer to the Kansas City roster is right-handed reliever Ryan Madson, who makes a big league active roster out of spring training for the first time since the 2011 campaign when he was with the Phillies...Madson then underwent Tommy John surgery after signing with Cincinnati in 2012, was signed prior to 2013 by the Los Angeles Angels, but his only appearance in that organization was of one minor league outing before getting his outright release on August 5, Madson was completely out of the game last year, but signed a minor league free agent contract with the Royals on January 4 and made the 25-man active roster after an outstanding bounce-back spring...the 34-year old spent nine years with the Phillies, including a 32-save season in AVERAGE AGE HITS 30--Kansas City opens the year with an average per player age of years, up just a bit from the that started the 2014 campaign...for the second straight year, Yordano Ventura is the youngest player on the roster at 23 years, 307 days while veteran Jason Frasor checks in as the senior member at 37 years, 240 days...the average service time of this year s roster is 5 years, 59 days, with the most veteran player Omar Infante at 11 years, 121 days, while Paulo Orlando enjoys his first day in the Majors. C YOU IN THE MAJORS ON WEDNESDAY--The Royals Dayton Moore and his C You in the Major Leagues Foundation will celebrate the start of the 2015 season with a luncheon on Wednesday at 11:30 a.m. in the North Club at Arrowhead Stadium...manager Ned Yost, the coaching staff and many of the Royals players and alumni will be in attendance at the event that will feature a One-of-a-Kind Live Auction...the lunch program begins at noon and will entertain with video highlights, the live auction and candid discussion by Moore, Yost and other players...proceeds from the First Pitch luncheon support C You In The Major Leagues, and it s four areas of focus, Youth Baseball, Families in Crisis, Education and Faith-based Programs and Organizations...Dayton will be available to the media at 11:10 prior to the start of the festivities. NUMBER CHANGES--With the start of a new season also comes changes in some uniform numbers since the start of spring training...veteran right-handed hurler Chris Young has turned in the #79 he wore during the exhibition season and will don #32 from today forward...outfielder Paulo Orlando, who wore #32 during the spring season has cut that in half and will now wear #16 and Franklin Morales has cut 20 numbers off of his spring training jersey #67 and is now wearing #47. GOLD WITH A TOUCH OF PLATINUM--For the second straight season the Royals had three players earn Rawlings Gold Gloves for their defensive prowess...alex Gordon latched onto his fourth in as many years as a leftfielder, while catcher Salvador Perez and first baseman Eric Hosmer each brought home the gold for a second consecutive season...gordon was also named Rawlings Platinum Glove winner, emblematic of the best defensive player in the American League. SPRING WORK--The Royals finished the spring season with a ledger capped by a 2-game weekend sweep of the Houston Astros in Minute Maid Park...the 20 victories were an 8-win improvement over last year...this past spring was one of streaks in the won/loss column, with KC opening camp with six straight victories and a 10-1 overall start, followed by a 3-8 slide before closing with a mark. A LOOK AHEAD--Kansas City will be here through Thursday before embarking on its first road trip, a week long journey to Anaheim (3) and Minnesota (3)...Billy Butler and the Oakland A s will open KC s second stay at The K on April 17, with last year s Wild Card opponent in town for three, followed by Minnesota for three... Kansas City s Interleague work this year this year will be vs. the National League Central, with the Reds, Cardinals, Brewers and Pirates visiting Kauffman Stadium this summer, while the Royals travel to Cincinnati, St. Louis and Chicago, facing the Cubs in Wrigley Field for the first time since Kansas City will be well represented in Cincinnati earlier than its scheduled visit in mid-august, as the Reds are hosting the 2015 All-Star Game of which manager Ned Yost and his staff will be operating for the American League by virtue of last year s title. ALL-TIME HIGH 161 GAMES SCHEDULED FOR TV--With the addition of 11 national TV appearances to FOX Sports Kansas City s 150 regional telecasts, an all-time high 161 Kansas City Royals games are scheduled for television in FOX Sports announced in March that it will carry 10 games as part of Major League Baseball s national television package six on FS1 and four on FOX...the FS1 slate includes the Royals first Saturday game this weekend with an ALDS rematch vs. the Angels in Anaheim...FS1 also selected the June 18 game vs. Milwaukee, which was previously scheduled for FSKC...in its place, FSKC has added the July 29 game at Cleveland...ESPN will televise the Mother s Day, May 10 game at Detroit as part of its Sunday Night Baseball package. CALLING HIS 47TH OPENER--The 2007 winner of the Ford C. Frick Award, Denny Matthews was in the broadcast booth on April 8, 1969 when Joe Keough delivered a 12th inning single to give Kansas City a win in the first game in franchise history and the veteran announcer will be in the booth today when the Royals begin defense of their A.L. crown...ryan Lefebvre, who will once again work both the TV and radio side during the year, is calling his 17th opener since joining the Royals, teaming today with Rex Hudler for Fox Sports Kansas City...Steve Physioc will be alongside Denny this afternoon, his fourth season in the broadcast booth for the Royals, while Steve Stewart will anchor the pre and post-game as well as in-game updates, his eighth season with KC...Don Free will control the dials for a 30th season as the producer/engineer. AT THE HELM--The 16th full-time manager in franchise history, Ned Yost, was named to his post on May 13, 2010 and has a ledger since taking the reins... already the manager of the most games in franchise history with 775, he enters this year just 37 wins shy of tying Whitey Herzog as the winningest manager in team history...yost is currently third on that list behind only Herzog (410) and Dick Howser (404)...this is his second stint as a big league manager after nearly six full campaigns at the helm for the Milwaukee Brewers ( )...he compiled a record with the Brew Crew including a mark in his last two seasons...yost, a catcher during his playing days, began his coaching career in the Atlanta organization, including 12 straight seasons on Bobby Cox s big league staff ( ). vs. White Sox (2014) vs. White Sox (career) At Home (career) Samardzija (career) Quintana (career) Player AVG AB H HR RBI AVG AB H HR RBI AVG AB H HR RBI AVG AB H HR RBI AVG AB H HR RBI Cain Colon Dyson Escobar Gordon Hosmer Infante Kratz Morales Moustakas Orlando Perez Rios Starting Pitchers Breakdown Total KC Avg. Runs Team Quality Pitcher GS Runs Per Start Record Starts Yordano Ventura Totals Catcher/Pitcher Matchups (Team Record w/starters) Pitcher Perez Kratz Totals Ventura Total Perez Kratz Totals Starts CS/ATT Pct ERA Jarrod Dyson 1 SB to rank 9th on KC all-time list (U.Washington-120) Alex Gordon 6 2B for RBI to runs to tie for 7th on KC all-time list (F. Patek-571) 40 hits to tie for 8th on KC all-time list (J. Randa-1084) 2 HR to tie for 9th on KC all-time list (C. Beltran-123) 8 BB to tie for 6th on KC all-time list (B. Butler-427) Upcoming Milestones Jeremy Guthrie 38 strikeouts to 1, wins to 100 Omar Infante 22 2B to RBI to 500 Alex Rios 6 SB to 250 Edinson Volquez 65 K to 1,000

5 2014 Royals Home Run Breakdown vs. on Runners On Outs Tied Gave Direction Team Last Home Run AB s Players Total LHP RHP Home Road Game Lead LF LC CF RC RF Record Date Opp. Pitcher Since Cain /17/14 CWS C. Sale 38 Colon Dyson /25/14 LAD D. Haren 142 Escobar /17/14 CWS C. Sale 44 Gordon /3/14 TEX N. Tepesch 76 Hosmer CWS J. Quintana 12 Infante /13/14 OAK S. Kazmir 145 Kratz MIN R. Pressly 16 Morales /26/14 LAA J. Weaver 9 Moustakas /25/14 NYY M. Pineda 105 Orlando Perez CWS J. Danks 2 Rios NYM G. Gonzalez 157 Pinch-Hit: Last: Erik Kratz Minnesota, seventh inning) - Franchise total: 76 Grand Slam: Last: Nori Aoki Arizona, fifth inning) - Franchise total: 117 Pinch-Hit Grand Slam: Last: Shane Mack Texas, seventh inning) 2-Homer Game: Last: Erik Kratz Minnesota), 2 solo 3-Homer Game: Last: Danny Tartabull (7/6/91 vs. Oakland) Back-to-Back: Last: Salvador Perez, Mike Moustakas (7/25/14 vs. Cleveland, second inning) Back-to-Back-to-Back: Last: Tony Graffanino, Angel Berroa, Doug Mientkiewicz (5/25/06 vs. Detroit, first inning) Three Home Runs, One Inning: Last: Melky Cabrera, Eric Hosmer and Brayan Pena Texas, 14th inning) Four Home Runs, One Inning: Last: Mike Sweeney, Jermaine Dye, Raul Ibanez and Carlos Beltran Cleveland, fourth inning) Leadoff Game: Last: Lorenzo Cain (6/25/14 vs. Los Angeles Dodgers) - Franchise total: 87 Inside-the-Park: Last: Lorenzo Cain Detroit) - Franchise total: 95 Both Sides of the Plate in One Game: Last: Wilson Betemit Minnesota) - Franchise total: 6 Home Run by Pitcher: Last: Zack Greinke Arizona) Walk-off Home Run: Last: Alex Gordon (8/26/14 vs. Minnesota, 9th inning, Perkins pitching) - Franchise total: 65 Opponent: Pinch-Hit: Last: Raul Ibanez, Seattle Kauffman Stadium, Greg Holland pitching, 9th inning) Grand Slam: Last: Daniel Nava, Boston Kauffman Stadium, Aaron Crow, 6th inning) Pinch-Hit Grand Slam: Last: Darryl Strawberry, New York Kauffman Stadium, Scott Service pitching, 9th inning) Back-to-Back: Last: Carlos Santana and Yan Gomes, Cleveland Kauffman Stadium, Aaron Crow pitching, 9th inning) Leadoff Game: Last: Shin-Soo Choo, Texas Globe Life Park, Jeremy Guthrie pitching) Inside-the-Park: Last: Jason Kipnis, Cleveland Kauffman Stadium, Jeremy Guthrie pitching, 6th inning) Walk-off Home Run: Last: Ramon Detroit Comerica Park, Aaron Crow pitching, 10th inning) Three Home Runs, One Inning: Last: Jason Heyward, Justin Upton and Dan Uggla, Atlanta Turner Field, Kelvin Herrera pitching, 8th inning) Four Home Runs, One Inning: Last: Alex Rios, Carlos Quentin, Andruw Jones, Dayan Viciedo, Chicago U.S. Cellular, Anthony Lerew pitching, 3rd inning) Three Home Runs, One Player: Last: Shin-soo Choo, Cleveland Kauffman Stadium, Kyle Davies-1; Bryan Bullington-1; Greg Holland-1) Both Sides of the Plate in One Game: Last: Ryan Doumit, Minnesota Kauffman Stadium, Jeremy Guthrie and Tim Collins pitching) 2014 Single-Game Bests Multi-Hit Games Multi-RBI Games RBI Hitting Streaks Hits Players Total Total Tying Go-Ahead 2-out Current Long (3+) Infield Bunt Cain g 9 gm (9/17-27) 28 1 Colon g 3 gm (8/13-20) 2 1 Dyson g 5 gm (3x) 22 9 Escobar g 12 gm (6/1-14) 24 5 Gordon g 9 gm (5/23-31) 7 - Hosmer g 16 gm (6/30-7/20) 5 1 Infante g 9 gm (6/8-18) 14 - Kratz g 3 gm (5x) 2 1 Morales g 12 gm (7/7-22) 4 - Moustakas g 6 gm (2x) 2 - Orlando - - Perez g 12 gm (6/5-18) 5 - Rios g 12 gm (5/17-29) 13 - The Last Time... No-Hitter by the Royals: Bret Saberhagen, August 26, 1991 vs. Chicago (Royals 7-0) No-Hitter vs. Royals: Jon Lester, May 19, Boston in Fenway Park (Red Sox 7-0) One-Hitter by the Royals (complete game): Zack Greinke, August 30, 2009 at Seattle (Royals 3-0) One-Hitter vs. Royals (complete game): Scott Baker, Minnesota, August 31, 2007 (Game 2) at Metrodome (Twins 5-0) Two-Hitter by the Royals (complete game): James Shields, April 13, 2013 vs. Toronto (Blue Jays 3-2) Two-Hitter vs. Royals (complete game): Jeff Niemann, Tampa Bay, June 3, 2009 at Tropicana Field (Rays, 9-0) Back-to-Back Complete Game Wins by the Royals: Brian Bannister and Zack Greinke, April 13-14, 2008 vs. Minnesota (5-1) and at Seattle (5-1) Back-to-Back Shutouts by the Royals: Sept , 1992 at California (2-0 and 4-0) Back-to-Back Shutouts vs. Royals: May 22-23, St Louis (5-0 and 5-0) Three Straight Shutouts vs. Royals: July 5-7, 2004 at Minnesota (9-0, 4-0, 12-0) 10+ Innings Pitched by a Royals starter: Kevin Appier, July 23, 1992 at Cleveland (10.0) 10+ Strikeouts by a Royals starter: James Shields, July 7, Tampa Bay (10) Shutout by the Royals (Complete Game): Jason Vargas, August 13, 2014 vs. Oakland (Royals 3-0) Shutout by the Royals (Combined): September 22, Cleveland (2-0); Duffy (6.0), Finnegan (1.0), Davis (1.0), Holland (1.0) Triple Play by the Royals: June 11, 2006 vs. Tampa Bay (DeJesus-Elarton- Berroa-Teahen with Branyan batting, 2nd inning) Triple Play vs. Royals: April 20, 2012 vs. Toronto at Kauffman Stadium, (6-3, Hosmer batting, 3rd inning) Royal hit for the cycle: George Brett, July 25, Toronto Opponent hit for the cycle: Jeff DaVanon, Anaheim, August 25, 2004 at Angel Stadium Royal Five-Hit Game: Billy Butler, September 5, Seattle (5-for-5) Royal Six-Hit Game: Joe Randa, Sept. 9, 2004 at Detroit-Game 1 (6-for-7) Royals Two Hits, One Inning: Billy Butler, August 17, Minnesota (2nd) Royals Five-RBI Game: Eric Hosmer, August 5, 2013 vs. Minnesota Royals Six-RBI Game: Alex Gordon, May 18, 2014 vs. Baltimore Royals Seven-RBI Game: (12 times) - last: Billy Butler, April 7, Philly Royals Position Player Pitching: Mitch Maier, April 15, 2012 vs. Cleveland Opponent Position Player Pitching: A.L.: Jamey Carroll, Minnesota, August 5, 2013 at Kauffman Stadium; N.L.: D Angelo Jimenez, San Diego, June 30, 2002 at Kauffman Stadium Royals Pitcher Homered: Zack Greinke, June 10, Arizona Royals Pitcher With a Hit: James Shields, June 3, St. Louis Royals Pitcher With a RBI: James Shields, June 3, St. Louis Royals Three or more Steals, One Game: Nori Aoki (3) and Jarrod Dyson (3), August 10, 2014 vs. San Francisco Opponent Three or more Steals, One Game: Ben Revere, Minnesota, September 14, 2011 at KC (3 SB) Royals Steal of Home: Alcides Escobar, vs. Cleveland, September 18, 2013 (5th inning) - on double steal Opponent Steal of Home: Brett Lawrie, Toronto, April 22, 2012 at Kauffman Stadium (8th inning) - on double steal Royals Suspended Game: August 31, 2014 vs. Cleveland (Rain) Royals Home Run in first ML at bat: Jon Nunnally, April 29, 1995 vs. New York (Melido Perez pitching, 1st inning) Royals Home Run in 4 Consecutive Games: Billy Butler, July 26-29, 2011 Royals 0-0 Game After 9 innings: September 22, 2013 vs. Texas (4-0 in 10 inn.) Royals Walk-Off Win: September 15, 2014 vs. Chicago (4-3, 9 innings) Royals Bat Around: August 27, 2014 vs. Minneosta (8th inning, 6 runs) times in Three-game sweep by Royals at Kauffman Stadium: September 1-3, 2014 vs. Texas Three-game sweep by Royals on the road: August 5-7, Arizona Four-game sweep by Royals at Kauffman Stadium: September 15-18, 2008 vs. Seattle Four-game sweep by Royals on the road: May 7-10, Minnesota Three-game sweep by opposition at Kauffman Stadium: June 20-22, 2014 vs. Seattle Three-game sweep by opposition on the road: July 18-20, Boston Four-game sweep by opposition at Kauffman Stadium: May 23-26, 2013 vs. Los Angeles Angels Four-game sweep by opposition on the road: September 24-27, Detroit Player Streak Last Error ROYALS 3 CWS Pitchers 26 8/31/14 vs. CLE Cain 38 MIN Colon 1 9/2/14 vs. TEX Dyson 17 9/1/14 vs. TEX Escobar 7 9/21/14 vs. DET Gordon 52 OAK Errorless Streaks Player Streak Last Error Hosmer 16 9/11/14 vs. BOS Infante 3 CWS Kratz 59 5/30/13 vs. BOS Morales 0 TOR Moustakas 5 CLE Perez 10 9/17/14 vs. CWS Rios 21 7/29/14 vs. NYY

6 Date Player Transaction 3/7 RHP-Chris Young Signed a one-year free agent contract RHP-Kris Medlen Placed on 15-day D.L. (recovery from Tommy John surgery) 3/13 LHP-John Lamb Optioned to Omaha 3/18 OF-Lane Adams Optioned to Omaha OF-Jorge Bonifacio Optioned to Omaha RHP-Aaron Brooks Optioned to Omaha INF-Orlando Calixte Optioned to Omaha 3/22 INF-Cheslor Cuthbert Optioned to Omaha OF-Reymond Fuentes Optioned to Omaha RHP-Michael Mariot Optioned to Omaha C-Francisco Pena Optioned to Omaha RHP-Yohan Pino Optioned to Omaha LHP-Brandon Finnegan Optioned to Northwest Arkansas OF-Terrance Gore Optioned to Wilmington 3/26 RHP-Jandel Gustave Claimed off waivers by San Diego 4/3 RHP-Louis Coleman Sent outright to Omaha 4/5 LHP-Tim Collins Placed on 15-day D.L. (recovery from Tommy John surgery) RHP-Luke Hochevar Placed on 15-day D.L. (recovery from Tommy John surgery) LHP-Brian Flynn Optioned to Omaha RHP-Ryan Madson Selected contract from Omaha LHP-Franklin Morales Selected contract from Omaha 2015 Transactions Royals Ejections Date Player/Coach Umpire/Type of Play Instant Replay Reviews Date Opponent Inning Original Call Score at Time Time Delay Outcome Challenge Record 0-0 Possible Outcomes - Confirmed, Stands or Overturned 1st: 2nd: 3rd: 4th: 5th: 6th: 7th: 8th: 9th: Starts by Batting Order The Lineup Card P: C: 1B: 2B: 3B: SS: LF: CF: RF: DH: Starts by Position Daily Update Score by Innings Total Royals - Opponents - Victory Margin Royals Opponents Lineup Production Batting Order - HR RBI 1st nd rd th th th th th th Kansas City By the Days Monday - Tuesday - Wednesday - Thursday - Friday - Saturday - Sunday - Multi-Run Innings for Royals # of runs # times last time 2 runs runs runs runs runs runs Lead after six innings: - Lead after seven innings: - Lead after eight innings: - Starter works more than 6.0 IP: - Score first: - Score more than three runs: - Hit home run: - Series opener: - 10 or more hits: - Royals Record When: Tied after six innings: - Tied after seven innings: - Tied after eight innings: - Starter works 6.0 IP: - Opponents score first: - Score three runs or less: - Do not homer: - Series finale: - Opponents 10 or more hits: - Trail after six innings: - Trail after seven innings: - Trail after eight innings: - Leading after nine innings: - Starter works less than 6.0 IP: - In the last turn at bat (KC/OPP): -/- Walkoff wins (KC/OPP): -/- Comeback wins (KC/OPP): -/- Errorless games by KC: - Disabled List (3) Player D.L. Type Injury Dates on D.L. Eligible for reinstatement Games Missed Team Record RHP-Kris Medlen 60-day recovery from Tommy John surgery March 7 May LHP-Tim Collins 15-day recovery from Tommy John surgery April 5 April RHP-Luke Hochevar 15-day recovery from Tommy John surgery April 5 April

7 Winning Losing Home Home Road Road Date Opponent D/N W-L Score Record Pos. GB Pitcher Pitcher Save Att. No. Total No. Total April (0-0) 4/6 CWS D 4/8 CWS N 4/9 CWS D LAA N LAA N LAA D Min D Min N Min D 4/17 Oak N 4/18 Oak N 4/19 Oak D 4/20 Min N 4/21 Min N 4/22 Min N CWS N CWS N CWS D CWS D Cle N Cle N Cle N 4/30 Det N May (0-0) 5/1 Det N 5/2 Det N 5/3 Det D 5/5 Cle N 5/6 Cle N 5/7 Cle D Det N Det D Det N Tex N Tex N Tex N Tex D 5/15 NYY N 5/16 NYY N 5/17 NYY D 5/19 Cin N 5/20 Cin N 5/22 StL N 5/23 StL N 5/24 StL D NYY D NYY N NYY D ChC D ChC N ChC D Royals Notes - Chicago White Kansas City Royals - Monday, April 6, Day-By-Days Omaha Storm Chasers (AAA) Pacific Coast League American Conference, Northern Division 2014 Triple-A and PCL Champions Minor League Report NW Arkansas Naturals (AA) Texas League North Division Wilmington Blue Rocks (A-Advanced) Carolina League Northern Division Begin play Thursday at New Orleans (Marlins) Begin play Thursday at Midland (Athletics) Begin play Thursday at Myrtle Beach (Cubs) Lexington Legends (A) South Atlantic League Southern Division Idaho Falls Chukars (R) Pioneer League South Division Burlington Royals (R) Appalachian League East Division Surprise Royals (R) Arizona League West Division Begin play Thursday at Charleston (Yankees) Begin play June 18 vs. Grand Junction (Rockies) Begin play June 23 at Princeton (Rays) Begin play June