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: --C John Buck became the first Royals catcher to collect two triples in a game since Darrell Porter on June 4, 1978, against the Indians. He is the first big-league catcher to stroke two triples in a game since Ivan Rodriguez on May, 12, 2000, while with the Rangers at Anaheim.
--RHP Kyle Davies picked up his first career victory over the Blue Jays on Thursday in his first start against Toronto. For the first time in his career, Davies worked at least five innings without logging a strikeout.
--RHP Doug Waechter, who is on the disabled list with a strained right elbow, threw about 30 pitches in a Thursday bullpen session with no problem. Manager Trey Hillman said Waechter would probably throw more off the mound and then go to the minors on a rehab assignment before being activated. "We want to make sure his elbow doesn't go backwards," Hillman said.
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 bullpen sessions April 28 and April 30, but he wasn't ready to start a minor league rehab assignment.
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
