The Kansas City Royals made the job of the NFL schedule makers a bit easier.The Royals have moved their home game set for Thursday, Sept. 10. That's the first night of the NFL season, and it typically features the Super Bowl champion.The baseball team's gesture leaves the Truman Sports Complex, which holds the stadiums of both teams, free for the Chiefs.

The Texas Rangers rallied from a three-run deficit by scoring three runs in the seventh inning and two more in top of the ninth to edge the host Kansas City Royals 5-4 on Friday in Surprise, Ariz., in the preseason opener for both teams.Henry Ramos' two-out single drove in the tying run in the ninth and the second run on the play scored after a throwing error by Royals shortstop Jeison Guzman.

Reliever Greg Holland could be getting another shot with the Kansas City Royals after agreeing to a minor league contract on Wednesday.The 34-year-old right-hander, who went 1-2 with a 4.54 ERA and 17 saves in 22 chances over 40 games with the Arizona Diamondbacks last season, will attempt to compete for a bullpen spot in spring training.His contract calls for a $1.25 million base salary at the MLB level, along with performance bonuses worth another $1.125 million.Holland was designated for assignment by the Arizona Diamondbacks last August and did not pitch in the majors for the rest of the season after signing a minor league deal with the Washington Nationals.In 2018 with the Nationals, the former All-Star pitcher went 2-0 with a 0.84 ERA in 21 1/3 innings over 24 appearances.

Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez found the best way to celebrate the team's annual FanFest on Friday -- by becoming a United States citizen.Perez, already a fan favorite and six-time All-Star who was selected World Series MVP when the Royals beat the Mets in five games in 2015, took the oath of citizenship at a jam-packed Bartle Hall in Kansas City during the team's annual event.For the Venezuela native, completing the long process to become a U.S. citizen might have been the most difficult -- and rewarding -- challenge of his life."You know what? I would rather be in the World Series, bases loaded, two outs, 3-2 and hitting than do that thing again," Perez told the adoring crowd. "I was shaking. My eyes were super big. I felt like I needed to drink water every second. But it was fun, after."Perez, who missed last season after having Tommy John surgery in March, finished the process of becoming a naturalized U.S. citizen when he stood on the main stage among guests who included Royals teammates, members of the front office and clubhouse staff, and manager Mike Matheny and Royals chairman John Sherman.Chief U.S. District Judge Beth Phillips presided over the ceremony. With his citizenship, Perez will be able to help members of his family get green cards and permit his wife to visit her father in Venezuela."It means a lot to him," Royals left fielder Alex Gordon said before the ceremony, via KansasCity.com. "I just saw him a couple minutes ago and just congratulated him on it. It almost looked like he teared up, so it means a lot to him. I'm happy for him and his family. I know this is a special day for him."His five-year quest to earn citizenship included intense studying for his citizenship test and learning from tapes while driving his car around his offseason home of Miami.

The Kansas City Royals declined their 2020 option on Alex Gordon, but it wasn't a goodbye. Instead, the team agreed to a one-year, $4 million deal with the veteran outfielder on Wednesday.Gordon, who turns 36 on Feb. 10, seemed destined to return to Kansas City even after his $23 million mutual option for the upcoming season was declined. He will come back for his 14th season, all with the Royals.He is a career .258 hitter with 186 home runs and 738 RBIs and will provide a veteran presence for a young Royals roster.

Former Kansas City Royals owner David Glass died last week at the age of 84, the team confirmed Friday.Glass, who bought the Royals for $96 million in April 2000, died on Jan. 9 from complications of pneumonia, according to his family.In a statement released on Twitter, new owner John Sherman, a local businessman who bought the team from the Glass family in November, said, "Like so many Kansas Citians, I am deeply saddened by the news of David's passing. His voice among other owners was so respected; he served on and led several Major League Baseball committees to better our game. His passion for baseball and love for Kansas City was the driving force in bringing success on the field for this franchise."Royals general manager Dayton Moore said in the statement: "Mr. Glass loved this game, this team, and our city with all his heart. He cared deeply for our fans and for the future of baseball. But above all, Mr. Glass placed an emphasis on putting family first which is what he stressed to our entire organization. We are forever grateful for his humble and supportive leadership, and we are beyond blessed that we were a part of his incredible life. Our thoughts and prayers are with his very special family."Under the ownership of Glass, who was the president and CEO of Wal-Mart from 1988-2000, the Royals reached the World Series in 2014 and 2015. After losing a seven-game series to the San Francisco Giants in 2014, they became world champions the following year by defeating the New York Mets in five games.Before becoming owner of the Royals, Glass served the previous 6 1/2 years as CEO and chairman of the team following the death of founding owner Ewing Kauffman, for whom the Royals' home stadium is still named.In November, Glass sold the Royals to Sherman, a former part-owner and chairman of the Cleveland Indians, and his group for close to $1 billion."On behalf of Major League Baseball, I thank David Glass for his successful stewardship of the Royals' franchise dating back to 1993, including 20 years as owner," MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement after the sale was approved. " The Glass family's passion for the Royals culminated in Kansas City's 2015 World Championship, demonstrating its strength as a baseball town."

The Kansas City Royals officially signed third baseman Maikel Franco to a one-year, $2.95 million deal on Friday.The deal reportedly includes $1.05 million in incentives.Hunter Dozier started 99 games at third base for the Royals but is expected to play right field this season. Dozier batted .279 with 26 homers and 84 RBIs last season.Franco, 27, batted .234 with 17 homers and 56 RBIs in 123 games with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019. The Royals are hoping he can rediscover the form that allowed him to top 20 homers in each of the previous three seasons.

The Kansas City Royals officially signed third baseman Maikel Franco to a one-year, $2.95 million deal on Friday.The deal reportedly includes $1.05 million in incentives.Hunter Dozier started 99 games at third base for the Royals but is expected to play right field this season. Dozier batted .279 with 26 homers and 84 RBIs last season.Franco, 27, batted .234 with 17 homers and 56 RBIs in 123 games with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019. The Royals are hoping he can rediscover the form that allowed him to top 20 homers in each of the previous three seasons.

The Kansas City Royals officially signed third baseman Maikel Franco to a one-year, $2.95 million deal on Friday.The deal reportedly includes $1.05 million in incentives.Hunter Dozier started 99 games at third base for the Royals but is expected to play right field this season. Dozier batted .279 with 26 homers and 84 RBIs last season.Franco, 27, batted .234 with 17 homers and 56 RBIs in 123 games with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019. The Royals are hoping he can rediscover the form that allowed him to top 20 homers in each of the previous three seasons.

The Kansas City Royals officially signed third baseman Maikel Franco to a one-year, $2.95 million deal on Friday.The deal reportedly includes $1.05 million in incentives.Hunter Dozier started 99 games at third base for the Royals but is expected to play right field this season. Dozier batted .279 with 26 homers and 84 RBIs last season.Franco, 27, batted .234 with 17 homers and 56 RBIs in 123 games with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019. The Royals are hoping he can rediscover the form that allowed him to top 20 homers in each of the previous three seasons.

The Kansas City Royals officially signed third baseman Maikel Franco to a one-year, $2.95 million deal on Friday.The deal reportedly includes $1.05 million in incentives.Hunter Dozier started 99 games at third base for the Royals but is expected to play right field this season. Dozier batted .279 with 26 homers and 84 RBIs last season.Franco, 27, batted .234 with 17 homers and 56 RBIs in 123 games with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019. The Royals are hoping he can rediscover the form that allowed him to top 20 homers in each of the previous three seasons.

The Kansas City Royals and free-agent third baseman Maikel Franco reportedly agreed to a one-year deal on Thursday.The contract is for $2.95 million with $1.05 million in incentives, according to MLB.com reporter Jesse Sanchez.Franco, 27, batted .234 with 17 homers and 56 RBIs in 123 games with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019.

The Kansas City Royals and free-agent third baseman Maikel Franco reportedly agreed to a one-year deal on Thursday.The contract is for $2.95 million with $1.05 million in incentives, according to MLB.com reporter Jesse Sanchez.Franco, 27, batted .234 with 17 homers and 56 RBIs in 123 games with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019.

The Kansas City Royals and free-agent third baseman Maikel Franco reportedly agreed to a one-year deal on Thursday.The contract is for $2.95 million with $1.05 million in incentives, according to MLB.com reporter Jesse Sanchez.Franco, 27, batted .234 with 17 homers and 56 RBIs in 123 games with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019.

The Kansas City Royals and free-agent third baseman Maikel Franco reportedly agreed to a one-year deal on Thursday.The contract is for $2.95 million with $1.05 million in incentives, according to MLB.com reporter Jesse Sanchez.Franco, 27, batted .234 with 17 homers and 56 RBIs in 123 games with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019.

The Kansas City Royals and free-agent third baseman Maikel Franco reportedly agreed to a one-year deal on Thursday.The contract is for $2.95 million with $1.05 million in incentives, according to MLB.com reporter Jesse Sanchez.Franco, 27, batted .234 with 17 homers and 56 RBIs in 123 games with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019.

The Kansas City Royals and free-agent third baseman Maikel Franco reportedly agreed to a one-year deal on Thursday.The contract is for $2.95 million with $1.05 million in incentives, according to MLB.com reporter Jesse Sanchez.Franco, 27, batted .234 with 17 homers and 56 RBIs in 123 games with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019.

The Kansas City Royals and free-agent third baseman Maikel Franco reportedly agreed to a one-year deal on Thursday.The contract is for $2.95 million with $1.05 million in incentives, according to MLB.com reporter Jesse Sanchez.Franco, 27, batted .234 with 17 homers and 56 RBIs in 123 games with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019.

The Kansas City Royals and free-agent third baseman Maikel Franco reportedly agreed to a one-year deal on Thursday.The contract is for $2.95 million with $1.05 million in incentives, according to MLB.com reporter Jesse Sanchez.Franco, 27, batted .234 with 17 homers and 56 RBIs in 123 games with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019.

The Kansas City Royals and free-agent third baseman Maikel Franco reportedly agreed to a one-year deal on Thursday.The contract is for $2.95 million with $1.05 million in incentives, according to MLB.com reporter Jesse Sanchez.Franco, 27, batted .234 with 17 homers and 56 RBIs in 123 games with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2019.