Spring Game #5

Game Date: March 1, 2009
Angels 6, Royals 4 / Box Score
Royals Spring Training Record: 2-2-1

Gil Meche has been battling a sore back during camp. He threw 37 pitches in his first outing yesterday that only lasted one inning (giving up three earned runs). He didn’t report any more problems with his back afterward. Meche doesn’t have anything to prove in camp. He just needs to knock the rust off, make sure his pitches are working, and stay healthy.

Brandon Duckworth and Joel Peralta both gave up a run and now would be a good time for both of them to stop the bleeding because the Royals have gone out and signed two more arms. First, they signed Juan Cruz to a two-year deal worth $6 million with a club option for 2011. To make room for Cruz, the Royals designated Esteban German for assignment. Then the Royals signed Bruce Chen to a Minor League contract. Cruz will probably make the Opening Day roster. Chen, on the other hand, won’t report until after the WBC. By then the Royals should have a pretty good idea about what they’ve got in Chen. He missed all of last season after undergoing elbow surgery.

At the plate, Willie Bloomquist was 1-for-3 with an RBI. David DeJesus was 2-for-2 with an RBI. Mike Jacobs was 1-for-3 with an RBI. And John Buck was 1-for-2 with an RBI.

Billy Butler was hit by a pitch during the game and has a deep bruise on his left hand. Doesn’t sound like it is serious.

Horacio Ramirez will start for the Royals today against the Giants in Surprise. He’s scheduled for three innings. Then Kyle Davies will follow him with three scheduled innings.

Update @ 2:57 PM: The Star reports that Meche's lower back is fine after his outing yesterday, but his middle back isn't so good. According to the story, there's no concern though.