Yost likes spring games in big league parks

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Royals usually stop for a series at a Major League stadium before beginning the regular season, and this year it's two games in Milwaukee against the Brewers. Manager Ned Yost believes that's beneficial.

The countdown to Monday afternoon's Opening Day at Detroit began with Tuesday night's game against the Mariners at Surprise Stadium, the last Cactus League game at home. On Wednesday afternoon, the Royals go to Peoria, Ariz., to play the Padres. They'll head to the airport after the game and fly to Milwaukee, where they'll spend a mandatory off day.

"I'm glad we're playing a night game today because it's a whole different atmosphere than playing a 1 o'clock game in 90-degree weather that doesn't count for anything," Yost said before Tuesday night's game.

"Night games give you more of a season feel," Yost said. "Then we're going to have a game tomorrow that's just going to be a work day. Sending all my starters over there, they're going to play four innings and get out. Then the two games in Milwaukee are really beneficial because you're in a Major League stadium, Major League atmosphere and it kind of ramps you up for the regular season. So those games are really important and I'm really glad we're playing them in a Major League ballpark."