Torn muscle might be end of Kluber in ’20

Two-time American League Cy Young Award winner Corey Kluber could be done for the season after only one inning for the Rangers.

An MRI exam Monday revealed a tear in a small muscle in Kluber’s right shoulder that won’t require surgery, but, even in the best-case scenario in this shortened season, he won’t throw again for at least four weeks.

“It’s a blow, there’s no getting around it,” team president and general manager Jon Daniels said.

Kluber, 34, was pulled after one inning Sunday against the Rockies.

The Rangers didn’t immediately make a roster move because they had Monday off. Daniels said young left-hander Kolby Allard, who’s already on the 30-man roster after nine starts as a rookie last season, will fill Kluber’s spot in the rotation.

Royals roar back to blister Tigers

Maikel Franco hit two of the Royals’ six home runs as they pounded the Tigers 14-6, spoiling a fan-free home opener in Detroit.

Whit Merrifield had three hits and three RBI, finishing a triple shy of the cycle on a night when the Royals rallied from an early 5-1 deficit. Foster Griffin (1-0) won in relief but had to leave his major-league debut with a strained left forearm.

The Tigers’ Michael Fulmer allowed three homers in his first start back from Tommy John surgery. He allowed four runs and five hits in 2⅔ innings after missing the whole 2019 season.

In other games of note . . .

Hunter Renfroe homered twice, and Rays pitchers set a team nine-inning record with 19 strikeouts in a 14-5 romp over the visiting Braves. Braves starter Mike Foltynewicz (0-1), an All-Star in 2018, gave up six runs, four hits and four walks in 3 ⅓ innings and was put on waivers after the game.

† Fernando Tatis Jr.’s bases-clearing triple highlighted a five-run rally that carried the host Padres past the Diamondbacks 6-2, giving them three of four victories in their opening series.

† Teoscar Hernandez hit two of the Blue Jays’ four solo homers off Anibal Sanchez, which accounted for all their scoring in a 4-1 victory over the host Nationals.

Ex-Cub Collins opts out

Rockies left-handed pitcher Tim Collins, who did not make the Opening Day roster, is the second player in the organization to opt out of the season, following outfielder Ian Desmond. Collins threw 8⅔ innings for the Cubs last season.