Mariners aim to fix the defense, Royals the offense as teams meet

Shortly after it was announced that Kristopher Negron would serve as the Seattle Mariners' acting manager Wednesday with Scott Servais quarantined with COVID-19, shortstop J.P. Crawford couldn't help but needle his former teammate.

"Hey, Skip, are daily pregame ground balls optional?" Crawford asked Negron.

Well, the Mariners likely will be taking extra fielding practice before Friday's opener of a three-game home serie