K.C. rips M’s, clinches

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The celebration seemed somewhat subdued, but when you are leading by six runs in the game and 10 games in the standings that isn’t unexpected.

The final out of the game – a groundout from Kyle Seager – sent the Royals spilling from the first-base dugout at Kauffman Stadium. There were hugs and some jumping up and down.

With their 10-4 victory over the Mariners on Wednesday night and the Minnesota Twins’ loss in Cleveland, the Royals clinched the American League Central title. It was their first division title since 1985.

The odds of a Mariners victory lessened considerably in the second inning when James Paxton left the game with torn fingernail.

After giving up a single to Alcides Escobar, manager Lloyd McClendon saw Paxton looking at the problematic middle finger on his throwing hand. He went to the mound with trainer Rob Nodine. Moments later, a frustrated Paxton stalked off the mound in disgust.

It was just his 32nd pitch of the game.

This isn’t the first time Paxton has dealt with fingernail issues. In fact, the injury stems from an earlier incident. His last rehab start on Sept. 2 was cut short when he tore the fingernail on a cut fastball. Paxton was shut down from throwing for about five days.

“I think in Tacoma I stayed in a little longer and it got a little worse than it is right now,” he said. “Lloyd took a look at it and told me to give him the ball.”

But Paxton isn’t sure if that means he’ll be ready to pitch again sooner than before.

“We’ll see what happens in the next couple days,” McClendon said. “I don’t have those answers tonight.”