SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Royals manager Ned Yost has been trying to get first baseman/DH Frank Schwindel in at catcher in a Cactus League game for over two weeks. It finally happened in Sunday's finale against the Rangers, as Schwindel caught the final two innings.

Schwindel was a catcher in high school and at St. John’s University, but he hasn’t caught in the Minor Leagues since 2015. Yost began having Schwindel catch some bullpen sessions after it was confirmed that Salvador Perez would have season-ending Tommy John surgery.

Schwindel, who remains in the running for a spot on the 25-man roster, threw out a baserunner trying to steal.

“That was awesome,” Schwindel said. “It was pretty cool to get back there and then throw someone out.”

When Schwindel was asked if he could remember the last time he threw out a runner, Terrance Gore, who was nearby, pointed at himself.

“Oh, yeah,” Schwindel said, smiling. “I got him in [instructional league] once.”

Junis’ final tuneup

Right-hander Jakob Junis threw seven innings against the Rangers’ Minor Leaguers on Sunday in a game that ended in a 3-3 tie. Junis gave up eight hits and three runs and struck out six against zero walks. He will likely start Saturday in the second game of the White Sox series at Kauffman Stadium.

“He looked great,” Yost said. “I was hoping he’d get more pitches in. He wound up going down to the bullpen and throwing about 15 or more so pitches.”

McWilliams returned to Rays

Rule 5 Draft pick Sam McWilliams was returned to the Tampa Bay Rays on Sunday. McWilliams had a 15.43 ERA in four Cactus League outings.

The Royals’ other Rule 5 Draft pick, right-hander Chris Ellis, remains in camp and in contention for a bullpen spot. Ellis had a slow start, but he has had four scoreless outings in his last five appearances.

“We wanted to keep him in the organization somehow,” Yost said. “Those are always tough decisions.”

Duffy rehab assignment

Yost confirmed on Sunday that left-hander Danny Duffy, who was slowed in camp by shoulder tightness, likely will go on a Minor League rehab assignment once he completes his throwing program in Arizona.

Duffy, who will start the season on the injured list, still has some live bullpens to throw in Arizona as he builds up his arm strength. If Duffy goes on a Minor League rehab, his return to the Royals might not be until mid-to-late April.

Up next

The Royals will head to Omaha, Neb., to play their Triple-A affiliate on Monday at 6:05 p.m. CT. The Royals are expected to pitch these relievers: Kevin McCarthy, Ian Kennedy, Jake Diekman, Tim Hill, Wily Peralta, Brad Boxberger and Zach Lovvorn.