SURPRISE, Ariz. -- With the World Baseball Classic getting underway this week, talk of Team Italy’s win over Cuba made its way around the Royals’ clubhouse on Thursday morning -- eliciting a few lighthearted jokes about Vinnie Pasquantino, of course, but mostly support for the first baseman, infielder Nicky Lopez and the rest of the Royals representing their respective countries in the global tournament.

The Royals, who beat Great Britain 8-1 in an exhibition game Thursday at Surprise Stadium, have 11 organizational players affiliated with World Baseball Classic teams this year, including five on the 40-man roster. That opens some playing time for other Royals who might otherwise be blocked or limited in spring.

“It’s exciting to watch those guys go play, it’s a cool opportunity for them,” first baseman Nick Pratto said. “And this is also an opportunity here for me and everyone else.”

Here are four players who could benefit from more playing time with their teammates playing in the Classic.

1. Michael Massey, 2B

Massey is day to day with an ankle contusion after fouling a ball off his right foot on Wednesday, but he’s hoping that won’t stop his hot streak once he’s back in the lineup. Massey launched his first spring homer on Saturday night against the Dodgers, another on Monday and a grand slam on Wednesday. He’s 7-for-20 in Cactus League play.

“I’ve seen him relax a little bit once that first home run went out,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “I think he’s somebody that we’re hopeful is a somewhat an everyday guy. He’s an incredible worker.”

Massey, 24, is competing for the everyday second-base job and will get a good look while Lopez is playing for Team Italy. In 194 plate appearances his rookie season, Massey posted a .683 OPS with a 93 wRC+ -- certainly numbers he can improve and build on in his second season. The Royals believe in his bat, and he’s been retooling his bat path this spring, hoping to protect the inside of the zone more.

“There’s a lot of work to do in my own game, so I’m just using the time in spring to get ready and work on my swing, defense, all that,” Massey said. “To get tested with game reps is ideal. I’m honestly just thinking about it from a development standpoint and getting ready for the season.”

2. Edward Olivares, OF

It seems like every year, Olivares has been overlooked or blocked on the roster, and when he did get an opportunity last year, he got hurt, playing just 53 games because of hamstring injuries. But at every turn, Olivares just hits. His contact skills and sneaky pop could impact the Royals’ lineup, and he’ll get more opportunities with outfielder/catcher MJ Melendez playing for Team Puerto Rico.

The question that has followed Olivares throughout his career is his defense, but he’s continuing to work with outfield coach Damon Hollins. The Royals will need him to play out there if they want him in the lineup every day, especially if Franmil Reyes makes the team and is the designated hitter most of the time.

“Damon’s worked very hard with [Olivares] already, and what we expect is a consistent effort in the outfield and his drill work and playing balls off the bat,” Quatraro said. “We’ve told him, ‘We expect you to play a lot of outfield,’ and to not expect just to DH.”

3. Jackson Kowar, RHP

Kowar’s path the past few seasons has been puzzling. He was a top prospect who dominated Triple-A in 2021 with a 3.46 ERA, but struggled that season when he made his Major League debut. In 2022, he took a step backward, with a 6.16 ERA in Triple-A and a 9.77 ERA in Kansas City.

There is no question his stuff is elite with a 96-98 mph fastball, plus-plus changeup, curveball and slider. His issues stem from command, getting behind in counts and then seeing hitters pummel on mistakes. Thursday was encouraging when Kowar struck out five in two innings with a heavy emphasis on his slider.

The Royals want to see what they have in Kowar. Is he a reliever or a starter? Can he fix his control at the Major League level? Quatraro wants to find those answers this spring because the stuff is hard to ignore. More Cactus League innings are available with Brady Singer (USA) and Carlos Hernández (Venezuela) both busy with the Classic.

4. Nick Pratto, 1B

Pratto is eyeing a roster spot and a fresh start in 2023. He’s about to get plenty of opportunities at first base with Pasquantino playing for Team Italy. Pratto hit just .184 during his rookie season last year and struck out at a 36.3 percent clip -- numbers he knows he must improve to earn playing time in Kansas City.

There is a scenario in which Pratto and Pasquantino are both in the lineup -- the former playing first and the latter at designated hitter. After an offseason of retooling his mind and approach, Pratto is ready to show that he’s capable of making that scenario a reality. Because at his best, Pratto can lengthen the Royals’ lineup with his power and stabilize the infield with Gold Glove-caliber defense at first base.