Flynn feeling confident despite shaky results

TEMPE, Ariz. -- By the numbers, Royals left-hander Brian Flynn's second outing this spring may not have looked all that much better than his first appearance when he gave up six runs in 1 1/3 innings.

But Flynn, who is trying to secure a spot in the bullpen and is out of Minor League options, felt infinitely better about Friday’s outing when he gave up four runs in 1 2/3 innings in the Royals’ 10-7 loss to the Angels at Tempe Diablo Stadium.

Flynn pitched a scoreless first but gave up some soft-contact hits before left-handed-hitting Kole Calhoun delivered a two-run triple, which chased Flynn.

“[Manager Ned Yost] came out to get the ball and said, ‘Hey, cheap hits,’” Flynn said. “But you don’t want to let the bases clear by a lefty because that will be my job this season -- get lefties out.”

Flynn spent the offseason working on his mechanics, trying to increase his arm speed.

“First outing, we were still trying to work on some mechanical stuff and I was out there trying to feel too much, just treading water,” Flynn said. “So today, we just sort of hit the reset button and said, 'Go out there and attack guys and compete and stop worrying about mechanics.'

“I was really happy with today. Everything was coming out really good. It felt like a different ballgame. Just need to fine-tune some things.”

Peralta sharp again

Royals right-handed reliever Wily Peralta traditionally has put up some awful Cactus League numbers. This year, Peralta vowed it would be different.

And so far, Peralta has been right. He threw a scoreless inning in his first outing, and threw another scoreless inning Friday, striking out two.

“I told you this year would be different,” Peralta said, smiling. “I kind of changed my offseason preparation. I started throwing bullpens a little earlier [before camp opened], probably four or five. I feel like my timing is down much more.”

Up next

The Royals return home to Surprise on Saturday for a 2:05 p.m. CT start against the Mariners. Right-hander Brad Keller, who could serve as the Opening Day starter, will make his first outing of the spring. Also scheduled to pitch are Michael Ynoa, Drew Storen, Scott Barlow, Foster Griffin and Jake Newberry.