Witt represents the new guard of multi-dimensional superstars. He finished runner-up to Aaron Judge for 2024 AL MVP and is a two-time all-star who won a Gold Glove last year. He has stolen at least 30 bases in each of his four MLB seasons while twice reaching 30 homers.

Kyle Higashioka had a three-run double in the ninth inning after a two-out error by Vinnie Pasquantino, and the Texas Rangers rallied to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-3 on Wednesday night. Wyatt Langford drew a two-out walk from Sam Long (1-3) and Corey Seager was safe when Pasquantino misplayed his slow roller at first.

The Royals conclude their 10-game homestand against the Rangers on Thursday afternoon. KC right-hander Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.43 ERA) will make his second start since returning from the 15-day injured list opposite veteran lefty starter Patrick Corbin (6-9, 4.45 ERA).

After a rough start to August, Seth Lugo looked much more like himself as he maneuvered and pitched through his start on Tuesday night. And it could not have come at a better time.

With the victory, the Royals (64-61) are now also 2 1/2 games ahead of the Rangers (62-64). Both are chasing the New York Yankees (67-57) for the third and final AL wild-card spot in the Major League Baseball playoffs.

Kansas City Royals outfielder Mark Canha returned from an injury-rehabilitation assignment on Monday and was then designated for assignment, the club announced before its series-opening home game against the Texas Rangers. Canha, 36, was recovering from a left-elbow injury. He had been on the injury list since June 8, missing 32 major-league games.

Kyle Higashioka delivered a two-out, three-run double in the ninth inning and the visiting Texas Rangers earned a needed 6-3 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.

The Kansas City Royals scratched veteran Salvador Perez, who was supposed to catch for starter Michael Wacha and bat fifth in the lineup, from the starting lineup of their series opener against the Texas Rangers on Monday night because of an illness.

Fans will have multiple opportunities this week to see if the Royals can make up ground in the race when the team plays host to the Nationals and White Sox. As usual, the Royals’ six games this week are on FanDuel Sports Kansas City and Sunday’s game also will be simulcast on two local stations in Kansas City.

They lost ace Jacob deGrom for a start when the Rangers decided to skip his turn in Kansas City this week due to shoulder soreness. On top of all that, they also lost future Hall of Fame manager Bruce Bochy for the day as he attends to a family matter.

Kansas City pitcher Seth Lugo faces struggles after signing a contract extension, but the Royals find their winning touch in August.