Royals and Rangers Release Lineups for Spring Training Opener

It's the best time of the year for baseball fans. As Spring Training games finally begin today, fans can watch their favorite teams in action for the first time in months.

One of the games on the schedule today, and the only contest featuring two major league teams squaring off, features the Kansas City Royals battling the Texas Rangers. Both teams will be anxious to start the Spring season on the right foot, with the Rangers eager to make the playoffs in 2020.

Here is who is starting for the Rangers:

Rangers at Royals in Surprise on Friday; Santana 8, Kiner-Falefa 6, Guzman 3, Frazier 5, Heineman 7, Trevino 2, Apostel DH, Garcia 9, Ibanez 4, Allard 1
— John Blake (@RangerBlake) February 21, 2020

A few big-league names in there, including Isiah Kiner-Falefa, and the newly-acquired Todd Frazier, who slots right in at the clean-up spot. Slugger Joey Gallo will not be starting in this game.

Here is the starting lineup for the Kansas City Royals:

Starting lineup and game roster for the Royals’ first Spring training game today against the Texas Rangers @sportscronkite pic.twitter.com/mgDHXKKDRA
— Alex Weiner (@alexjweiner) February 21, 2020

Ever-present Whit Merrifield will lead off for the Royals, with a welcome sight in former All-Star Salvador Perez hitting in the third spot as the Designated Hitter. Perez, who underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019 and missed the entire season, will want to get back in the groove before returning to catching duties later in the Spring.

It's the best time of the year. Baseball is back!