Trey Hillman
Bale appeared in 26 games for Kansas City in , all in relief. He had a 1–1 record with a 4.05 earned run average, surrendering 45 hits in 40 innings. He began the season in the Royals' starting rotation after a strong spring training. "Bale earned it," Royals manager Trey Hillman said to the Kansas City Star on March 25. "Johnny has been outstanding all through spring training. He's been hit in spots but, pretty much, from day one he's commanded three pitches." In one of the more bizarre instances in recent Royals history, Bale, who was already on the disabled list due to a shoulder injury, broke his left (pitching) hand in May 2010 when he punched a hotel door in what Bale called "a moment of frustration."