Notable

Mariners: Ken Griffey is hitting .441 with four home runs and nine RBIs against Kansas City this season. He began the year batting .277 against the Royals. Seattle leads the major leagues with 170 home runs.

Royals: Third baseman Joe Randa has hit safely in 24 of his past 25 games and is 46-for-103 (.447) with six home runs and 19 RBIs.

Yankees: Second baseman Chuck Knoblauch did not start for the second straight game because of a severe head cold. Right-hander Jeff Nelson (elbow) is scheduled to throw a simulated game today instead of making his first rehab appearance, which should now come early next week.