The Royals had a day off as they continued their road trip, with the next series starting in Detroit on May 6. After 24 games against AL West opponents, Kansas City would finally face a team from the East division.

Kansas City could look forward to having a full roster again, as outfielder Pat Kelly, infielder Mike Fiore, and pitcher Steve Jones had all missed the weekend series against California due to military duty. Also, infielder Jerry Adair had been called home because of an illness in his family. Paul Schaal had been called up from Omaha for the weekend series, and acquitted himself nicely with five hits and two walks in 16 plate appearances.

Today’s birthdays: Gary Christenson (1953), Dave Gumpert (1958)