Duda could serve as lefty option off KC's bench

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Royals added a new candidate for their final position player on the 25-man roster on Friday, signing first baseman Lucas Duda to a Minor League deal.

Duda, 33, had been in Twins camp this spring, but he was released recently. He signed as a free agent with the Royals prior to the 2018 season and he played in 87 games, hitting .242 with 13 home runs and 48 RBIs. The Braves acquired him from Kansas City in late August.

The Royals likely will begin the season with a 12-man pitching staff because there are three off-days in the first eight calendar days of the regular season. That frees up a spot for an additional position player until the club will need a fifth starter, likely around April 10.

That additional positional player could be Duda, utility man Humberto Arteaga or first baseman Frank Schwindel -- none of those three are on the 40-man roster.

Royals manager Ned Yost said on Friday that he is looking for a left-handed bat off the bench.

“We’re looking at a veteran presence, a bat from the left side,” Yost said. “[Duda] fits in our clubhouse well. He was well-liked here. We’ll see how things play out. He wouldn’t be here if he wasn’t in the mix.”

Duda arrived in camp on Friday.

“I’ll do whatever role they ask,” he said. “I saw this as a good opportunity.”

Yost emphasized that the presence of Duda, if he makes the roster, would not interfere with the development of first baseman Ryan O’Hearn or third baseman Hunter Dozier, who also is expected to play some first base.

“We’re not here to stifle O’Hearn,” Yost said. “We’re not here to stifle Dozier. Will there be opportunities here for a left-handed bat off the bench? Yeah.”

Bailey sharp

Right-hander Homer Bailey, who appears to be in line for a spot in the rotation, had his best outing of the spring -- going six innings on Friday night and giving up three hits and two runs. He struck out seven in the Royals' 15-3 win over the Giants at Surprise Stadium.

Bailey’s fastball velocity rose to 94-95 in the sixth inning.

“I felt like I did get a little stronger as the night went on,” Bailey said. “I think [catcher Martin Maldonado] and I were pretty much on the same page all night.”

Viloria optioned to Double-A

Catcher Meibrys Viloria was in the running for the backup job behind Maldonado. But with Viloria being optioned to Double-A Northwest Arkansas, Cam Gallagher has won the backup spot behind the plate.

“Greatly impressed with [Viloria],” Yost said. “This kid has a chance to be an everyday catcher. We have three kids who have a chance in my estimation to be everyday catchers -- [MJ] Melendez, [Sebastian] Rivero and Viloria. I think it’s too important to Viloria’s development to not have him play every day.”

Minor Leaguer suspended

Royals Minor League pitcher Jonathan Perrin, who is currently on the roster of Triple-A Omaha, has received a 50-game suspension without pay after a second positive test for a violation of the Minor League Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Up next

Right-hander Brad Keller, the Opening Day starter, will get his final Cactus League tuneup when the Royals travel to Maryvale Stadium in Phoenix to play the Brewers at 3:05 p.m. CT on Saturday.