ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) - Reigning AL Cy Young Award winner Blake Snell allowed three runs and five hits over 3 1/3 innings, throwing 65 pitches in the Tampa Bay Rays' 10-2 loss to the Kansas City Royals.
The Rays decided that Snell was ready to return from a broken toe despite throwing just an 18-pitch bullpen session Saturday and eight pitches off a mound Monday.
Adalberto Mondesi hit a three-run homer and drove in four runs as the Royals ended a five-game losing streak.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.