KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Toronto Blue Jays and Kansas City Royals began the season as viable playoff contenders, but are struggling to reach .500.
They will meet in a three-game weekend series at Kauffman Stadium beginning Friday.
The Royals bring in a 35-36 record. Their season high-water mark is 7-7. That was the calm before the storm as they finished April with a nine-game losing streak.
The Blue Jays had a chance to reach .500 on Thursday, but lost 11-4 to the Texas Rangers to drop to 35-37. They are 11-13 in series openers.
Toronto manager John Gibbons moved slugger Jose Bautista to the top of the order Wednesday and he walked to lead off the game and trigger a six-run first inning.