Live updates from Kansas City Royals opening day against the Cleveland Guardians
Are you ready for opening day?
The Kansas City Royals will take the field at 3:10 p.m. against the Cleveland Guardians for their first game of 2025. The AL Central test is part of a difficult opening stretch to the season, but manager Matt Quatraro says he’s happy with how 2025 will get underway.
Royals fans? They’re happy ... and excited to have baseball back following last year’s run to the ALDS. The Royals returned to the playoffs for the first time since 2015, and they’re hoping to go even further this time around.
Live stats & updates from KC Royals opening day
Follow today’s KC Royals game with live play-by-play, score updates and stats.
KC Royals lineup vs. Guardians
The big news for the Royals on opening day is that Vinnie Pasquantino will be available despite a hamstring injury last week.
Cole Ragans, the Royals’ lefty ace, will get the ball for Game 1 of the season. He hopes to build on a top-5 Cy Young finish, even if that means pitching “grumpy” (as Star columnist Sam McDowell explains).
Offseason acquisition Jonathan India (via trade) will start at third base and bat leadoff, followed by Bobby Witt Jr. (shortstop), Pasquantino (DH) and Salvador Perez (catcher). Michael Massey will start at second and hit fifth.
Here are more key names to know.
More Kansas City Royals coverage
- KC’s Seth Lugo is one of the best pitchers in MLB. But did you know: He almost gave up on baseball during a rough stretch of his career.
- Many national experts project the Royals to return to the postseason ... and keep winning. The Star’s Pete Grathoff has the roundup of what MLB analysts are saying.
- The Royals have announced their 26-man roster with opening day underway. You can see the full list, here.
