Duffy nursing tightness in left shoulder
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Royals left-hander Danny Duffy, who has made the last two Opening Day starts for the Royals, will be shut down for a few days to calm down tightness in his throwing shoulder.
Duffy first experienced the tightness last week.
“I think I gassed it a little too much last week,” Duffy said. “Normal spring stuff. I’m not discouraged at all. Maybe a little frustrated.”
Duffy expects to test the shoulder again on Saturday.
“It’s the same crap that [James] Shields dealt with every year,” Duffy said. “He found a way to get through it and keep it a secret. For me, no sense in rushing it right now.”
Kennedy makes spring debut
Right-hander Ian Kennedy, expected to grab a rotation spot, got his first Cactus League action in the Royals’ 8-2 split-squad win over the Dodgers in Surprise. The Royals’ other split-squad team lost, 9-7, to the White Sox in Glendale.
Kennedy worked two scoreless innings, giving up one hit and one walk.
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“It was all about fastball command today,” Kennedy said. “That felt pretty good. I think I only threw three curves and one changeup. Just wanted to keep the fastball in the lane.”
Oaks possible surgery
Right-hander Trevor Oaks, who was likely ticketed for Triple-A Omaha again this season, has been shut down due to a right hip injury. It’s possible Oaks will need labrum surgery.
Royals manager Ned Yost said Oaks will get a second opinion from a specialist on March 6 -- that specialist is busy with the NFL Combine this week.
KCPD officer on hand
Kansas City Police Department officer Sarah Olsen was on hand observing the Royals’ practice on Tuesday morning, as well as the game at Surprise Stadium.
Olsen, 29, is a huge Royals fan and threw out the first pitch at Kauffman Stadium last August. She is suffering from ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.
“She’s just such a wonderful person,” former Royal Mike Sweeney said. “It’s great to be able to see her here enjoying this.”
Up next
The Royals travel to Scottsdale on Wednesday for a 2:05 p.m. CT start against the Giants. Rule 5 Draft pick Chris Ellis, Glenn Sparkman, Kyle Zimmer, Richard Lovelady, Zach Lovvorn and Andres Machado are scheduled to pitch.