Lawrence Butler hit a three-run home run, Luis Severino gave up one run and struck out eight in seven innings, and the Athletics beat Kansas City 5-2 on Wednesday night to snap the Royals' four-game win streak. Nick Kurtz hit an RBI double and walked, his 18th consecutive game with a walk, extending his franchise record and tying him with Barry Bonds for the longest such single-season streak in nearly 80 years. Bonds walked in each of his final 18 games in 2002.

The Athletics lost their hitting coach, but it was the Royals who struggled at the plate

Severino tosses seven solid for the win

Royals trying to keep the winning streak going.

The Mets welcome back a solid arm that they should have never let get away.

MLB news roundup

The Yankees are looking to add some much needed pitching depth.

Back in first, baby

Athletics (13-12, first in the AL West) vs. Texas Rangers (13-12, second in the AL West) Arlington, Texas; Friday, 8:05 p.m. EDT PITCHING PROBABLES: Athletics: Luis Severino (0-2, 6.20 ERA, 1.70 WHIP, 27 strikeouts); Rangers: Nathan Eovaldi (2-3, 5.06 ERA, 1.54 WHIP, 29 strikeouts) LINE: Rangers -154, Athletics +129; over/under is 8 1/2 runs BOTTOM LINE: The Texas Rangers host the Athletics on Friday to open a three-game series. Texas is 5-4 in home games and 13-12 overall.