The Royals arrived at Tropicana Field Monday hoping to see pitcher Jorge López take steps in the right direction after his six-run debut last week.
They got what they wanted, though maybe not in the most efficient form: López allowed one run in five innings as the Royals lost 1-0 to the Rays, but it took 95 pitches to navigate the Rays lineup. He yielded five hits and issued three walks, executing pitches where he wanted them but at times not getting borderline calls from home plate umpire Scott Barry.
“He could have gotten quicker decisions (on hitters),” manager Ned Yost said.