But the soreness returned Tuesday when he began throwing again from a mound. If the pain persists, further surgery is a possible option. The Royals must decide by Saturday what to do with lefty reliever Scott Mullen, currently on a rehab assignment at Class AAA Omaha, Neb., after undergoing off-season shoulder surgery. Mullen is 1-1 at Omaha with one save and a 6.35 ERA in 11 games. Before Saturday's game, the Royals must activate Mullen and either keep him on the major-league roster or send him to the minors.
Minor details Let's talk center fielders.
Class AA Wichita's Endy Chavez has his average up to .266 and leads the Wranglers with 29 hits. Class A Wilmington's Alexis Gomez is on a nine-game hitting streak that has his average up to .315. Left-hander Chris George traveled to Kansas City from Omaha and received his ring for being a member of the U.S. team that won the gold medal at the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. Reliever Orber Moreno recently had two pain-free outings in extended spring training. Moreno, whose fastball hit 93 mph, hasn't pitched since 1999 because of elbow injuries.