The Royals agreed to a contract with a former Red Sox infielder who features especially intriguing home run prowess.

May, acquired from the Dodgers at the trade deadline, struggled through 3⅔ innings, allowing three runs, six hits, and a walk, while striking out four.

The Red Sox saw their seven-game win streak come to an unceremonious end on Wednesday, losing 7-3 to the Kansas City Royals in the club’s worst all-around effort in weeks. The team committed two errors, set a franchise record by hitting five Royals batters, and went 2 for 7 with runners in scoring position.