See Kansas City Royals’ 2023 Opening Day roster, lineup ahead of Game 1 vs. Twins

MLB Opening Day is traditionally a time for new beginnings.

For the Royals, that means a new manager (Matt Quatraro), a new-look coaching staff and a new general manager, as J.J. Picollo enters his first full season in that role.

The opening-day roster looks vastly different from a year ago, because of player moves and injuries.

Carlos Santana, Adalberto Mondesi, Ryan O’Hearn, Andrew Benintendi, Michael A. Taylor, Whit Merrifield and Gabe Speier are no longer with the team.

Pitchers Jackson Kowar, Josh Staumont and Collin Snider are in the minor leagues.

Jake Brentz and Daniel Lynch were placed on the injured list. Angel Zerpa, Diego Hernandez and Drew Waters also begin the year on the IL.

Here is a look at the Royals’ Opening Day roster ahead of today’s 3:10 p.m. first pitch against the Twins...

KC Royals’ 26-man Opening Day roster:

Pitchers (number and name, listed alphabetically):

• 58 Scott Barlow (closer)

• 59 Jake Brentz (60-day IL)

• 50 Kris Bubic

• 54 Aroldis Chapman

• 45 Taylor Clarke

• 65 Dylan Coleman

• 74 Jose Cuas

• 22 Amir Garrett

• 23 Zack Greinke

• 43 Carlos Hernandez

• 56 Brad Keller

• 24 Jordan Lyles

• 52 Daniel Lynch (15-day IL)

• 51 Brady Singer

• 48 Ryan Yarbrough

• 61 Angel Zerpa (60-day IL)

Catchers:

• 1 MJ Melendez

• 13 Salvador Perez

Infielders:

• 17 Hunter Dozier

• 15 Matt Duffy

• 18 Nate Eaton

• 8 Nicky Lopez

• 19 Michael Massey

• 9 Vinnie Pasquantino

• 7 Bobby Witt Jr.

Outfielders:

• 41 Jackie Bradley Jr.

• 35 Diego Hernandez (60-day IL)

• 28 Kyle Isbel

• 14 Edward Olivares

• 99 Franmil Reyes

• 6 Drew Waters (10-day IL)

Three of the new players this season had been signed to minor-league contracts before being added to the big-league roster on Thursday: infielder Matt Duffy, outfielder Jackie Bradley Jr. and designated hitter Franmil Reyes.

“It means a lot (to make the roster),” Reyes said. “It’s a new opportunity and I’ve thankful for this opportunity.”

Opening Day lineup: KC vs. Minnesota

Bobby Witt will lead off for the Royals in Game 1 of the 2023 season. MJ Melendez will bat second, followed by Salvador Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino.

Here is the full lineup, in order:

1. Bobby Witt Jr., SS

2. MJ Melendez, RF

3. Salvador Perez, C

4. Vinnie Pasquantino, 1B

5. Franmil Reyes, DH

6. Michael Massey, 2B

7. Hunter Dozier, 3B

8. Kyle Isbel, CF

9. Edward Olivares, LF

P: Zack Greinke