Royals invite 16 players to Major League Spring Training

The Kansas City Royals announced today that the club has invited 16 non-roster players to Major League Spring Training in Surprise, Ariz. Among the invitations are seven pitchers, three catchers, two infielders and four outfielders.  

Included in the 16 invitees are 10 that played in the Royals' organization last season. Right-handed pitcher Jason Adam (fifth round, 2010), left-handed pitcher Scott Alexander (sixth round, 2010), right-handed pitcher Aaron Brooks (ninth round, 2011) and right-handed pitcher Kyle Zimmer (first round-fifth overall, 2012) were all drafted by the Royals, while right-handed pitcher Sugar Ray Marimon, catcher Juan Graterol and outfielder Jorge Bonifacio all signed as non-drafted free agents. Catcher Adam Moore and outfielders Gorkys Hernandez and Paulo Orlando all played in Kansas City's system in 2013. Other non-roster invitees, each of whom has previous Major League experience, include right-handed pitchers Cory Wade and P.J. Walters, catcher Ramon Hernandez, infielders Jason Donald and Brandon Laird and outfielder Melky Mesa.

Pitchers and catchers will report to Surprise on Friday, February 14. Workouts for pitchers begin the following day, Saturday, February 15. The remainder of the squad will report on Wednesday, February 19 and begin workouts for the 2014 campaign on Thursday, February 20.