On Saturday, Florida (24-18) officially announced it had signed Ramirez to a $70 million, six-year contract extension - the richest in team history. The shortstop, who is batting .311 with a team-high 35 runs scored, is earning $439,000 this season.

"You never expect something like this will happen one day," the 24-year-old Ramirez said. "That's why you work so hard when you're a little kid."

The announcement was made at the site of the Marlins' future stadium in Miami, which is expected to open in 2011.

The Marlins believe the commitment for the new stadium, which hasn't been finalized, can only help them sign more players to long-term deals. Florida has historically had a frugal payroll, which was a league-low $21.8 million on opening day.

"It definitely gives everybody else hope that they're starting to build toward the future," outfielder Cody Ross told the Marlins' official Web site.

Ramirez went 0-for-3 with three strikeouts on Saturday, but the Marlins still beat the Royals (20-22) 7-3 to snap a four-game losing streak. First baseman Mike Jacobs - back in the starting lineup for the first time since May 7 after recovering from a quadriceps injury - had a two-run homer and an RBI triple.

"You get back out there and you're a little nervous," Jacobs said. "You don't want to push it too hard. You don't want to not push it hard enough.

"But ... the home run trot is OK."

The Marlins, who have won eight of their last 12, could find offense tougher to come by against Royals starter Zack Greinke (4-1, 1.93 ERA). The 24-year-old right-hander is blossoming this season, having yielded three runs or fewer in all eight of his starts.

Greinke limited Detroit to two runs over six innings on Tuesday, but did not record a decision in Kansas City's 3-2 victory.

That contest was part of the Royals' season-high five-game winning streak, which came to an end with Saturday's loss.

Kansas City outfielders Joey Gathright and David DeJesus collided in the fourth inning Saturday while attempting to catch a ball hit by Jacobs. Gathright (left shoulder) and DeJesus (left ankle) both were using ice packs after the game, but they both also said they'd be fine. Gathright said his left shoulder "popped out, then popped back in."

The Marlins send rookie Burke Badenhop (1-2, 5.97) to the mound for the series finale. The 25-year-old right-hander has showed promise during the month of May, giving up three earned runs or fewer in all three of his starts.

He yielded four runs - three earned - in six innings on Monday at Cincinnati, and did not receive a decision in Florida's 8-7 loss.