Royals lefty Mike Minor sees increased velocity during rehab stint

In his third rehab start, left-hander Mike Minor allowed four runs and five hits in five innings for Class AAA Omaha on Friday night in Reno, Nev.

Facing the Reno Aces, the Class AAA affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, Minor struck out five and walked three while throwing 82 pitches. It was his longest outing since departing extended spring training earlier this month.

Minor is recovering from a torn labrum in his left shoulder, which required surgery last May. After spending all of April and early May in Surprise, Ariz., he made two starts for Class AA Northwest Arkansas, allowing three earned runs in 7  2/3 innings.

Minor will be eligible to come off the 60-day disabled list in June. Barring any setbacks, Royals officials believe Minor could be ready to join the Royals during the first week of June. For now, his role is uncertain. He could attempt to bolster the starting rotation or slip into a role out of the bullpen.

Earlier this week, Minor returned to Kansas City to meet with the team’s medical staff during a three-game series against Boston. He stayed in town for two days and offered a positive update on his surgically repaired shoulder.

“It’s felt kind of the same the whole time,” Minor said. “There’s still new soreness each time, but it’s because I’m progressing each outing. But I’m recovering, so that’s good.”

One surprising development: Minor said he is throwing harder now than he did in 2013, when he finished 13-9 with a 3.21 ERA in 32 starts for the Atlanta Braves. That was the last season Minor was fully healthy. He dealt with shoulder issues in 2014 and early 2015 before undergoing surgery last May.

Minor’s fastball has sat in the mid 90s during his rehab stint. He credited the Royals’ medical staff with most of the increase.

“I think it’s because of those guys in there — the medical staff,” Minor said. “(I’m) just doing hip and spine programs and kind of stretching more. (I’m) focusing on smaller muscles, and things that can help me on the mound.”

This story was originally published May 21, 2016 at 2:52 PM with the headline "Royals lefty Mike Minor sees increased velocity during rehab stint."