Escobar, Tejada arrive to complete spring roster

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- It's a full house of 62 players now at the Royals' training camp. Alcides Escobar and Miguel Tejada arrived on Saturday and filled their side-by-side lockers with gear.

Escobar, the starting shortstop, missed Friday's first full-squad workout due to a delay in obtaining a visa for his new bride, Francys. The necessary office did not reopen until Friday due to Carnival time in Venezuela.

"The office was closed because of the festivities," Escobar said. "But I'm so happy to be here."

Tejada became ill after returning to his Fort Lauderdale, Fla., home from playing for the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean Series. He also missed Friday's workout, but he arrived feeling healthy.

"I feel my body's very fresh. I work hard and I feel like my body's 20 years old," said the 38-year-old Tejada.

Tejada will compete for a backup role. He was out of the Major Leagues in 2012, interrupting a 15-year career. After 36 games for Baltimore's Triple-A Norfolk affiliate, he asked for his release, but returned to action this winter with Aguilas in the Dominican League.

"Great reports," manager Ned Yost said. "Swung the bat real well, bat speed was there, played adequately at all the infield positions. Great makeup, great clubhouse presence, had great winter ball."