In the first inning, Pasquantino homered off Braves starter Erick Fedde. He hit a 91.2 mph cutter into the right field seats as the Royals got on the board early. It was his 18th home run and moved him one shy of his career high mark set in 2024.

Trade Seth Lugo? How about extending him? The Royals on Monday finalized a two-year contract extension with Lugo, committing to the right-handed veteran starter until at least 2027 and ending any talk of Lugo leaving Kansas City this summer or the offseason.

The Kansas City Royals have agreed to a $46 million, two-year contract with right-hander Seth Lugo for 2026 and 2027, a move that signals their intention to push for a second consecutive playoff appearance.