With RHP Joakim Soria nursing a sore shoulder, the Royals have a big vacancy at the end of their bullpen. While manager Trey Hillman said he would use a closer-by-committee while Soria heals, RHP Juan Cruz, who is 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA in seven appearances, could be the first option. C Brayan Pena was designated for assignment when RF Jose Guillen came off the disabled list. He was deemed expendable as the third catcher.
PLAYER NEWS: --RHP Joakim Soria, who threw a bullpen session Tuesday, said he felt fine Wednesday. The plan is for Soria, who has pitched only once since April 13 because of a sore shoulder, to throw off the mound Thursday. If all goes well, the Royals hope he would be ready to pitch this weekend in Minnesota. Soria is 5-for-5 in save situations this year.
--1B Billy Butler homered in the third and fourth innings for his second multi-homer game. His first was Aug. 30, 2008, against the Tigers. Butler's four hits also matched his career high. His other four-hit game was July 20, 2007, at Detroit. His four runs also equaled a career best. He scored four runs on July 3, 2007, against the Mariners.
--3B Mark Teahen's home run in the fourth inning Wednesday was the 50th of his career. Teahen has reached base in 13 consecutive games -- 17 hits, six walks and two hit by pitches.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Gil Meche (lower back stiffness) left the April 28 game. He should be able to make his next start May 3.
RHP Joakim Soria (sore right shoulder) was injured warming up on April 18 and hadn't pitched since April 22. He threw a bullpen session April 28, and he will throw another April 30. The Royals hope he will be ready to return to action May 1.
RHP Doug Waechter (right elbow strain) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to April 18. He threw a bullpen session April 28.
3B Alex Gordon (torn cartilage in right hip) went on the 15-day disabled list April 15. He had surgery April 16 and could be out until the All-Star break.
LHP John Bale (thyroid surgery on March 3) went on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27. He pitched in extended spring training on April 22, and he might soon begin a minor league rehab assignment.
ROTATION:
RHP Gil Meche
RHP Zack Greinke
RHP Kyle Davies
RHP Sidney Ponson
RHP Brian Bannister
BULLPEN:
RHP Joakim Soria (closer)
RHP Kyle Farnsworth
LHP Ron Mahay
RHP Juan Cruz
LHP Horacio Ramirez
RHP Robinson Tejada
RHP Jamey Wright
CATCHERS:
Miguel Olivo
John Buck
INFIELDERS:
1B Mike Jacobs
2B Alberto Callaspo
SS Mike Aviles
3B Mark Teahen
INF Tony Pena Jr.
OUTFIELDERS:
LF David DeJesus
CF Coco Crisp
RF Jose Guillen
OF Mitch Maier
DH Billy Butler
OF/INF Willie Bloomquist
