David DeJesus batted leadoff for the third consecutive game and fifth time in the last six games.Royals manager Trey Hillman said he’s made the determination that as long as Coco Crisp’s shoulder is an issue, DeJesus and Willie Bloomquist are the team’s best options to lead off.Asked if he likes DeJesus batting leadoff best, Hillman said, “I like it if it works.”DeJesus entered Friday batting .295 in the leadoff spot, compared to .245 batting second and .263 in the No. 3 spot.He went one for three with a walk Friday.Hillman said he doesn’t believe DeJesus feels more comfortable batting leadoff than anywhere else in the order.“I’ve asked that question 100 times,” he said. “He’s as comfortable anywhere, according to him, as he is in the leadoff spot. We did our homework very well on that, starting with the offseason and spring training. David’s one of those guys I feel like I can trust.”Farnsworth fineKyle Farnsworth’s string of 17 consecutive scoreless outings ended when he gave up the game-winning run in the 10th inning on Thursday. He entered with the score tied, the first time during the streak that he’d come in with the Royals ahead fewer than three or down fewer than two.Coincidence or not, opposing batters are hitting .149 (10 for 67) against Farnsworth in situations that Baseball-Reference terms low-leverage, and .667 (eight for 12) in high-leverage.Hillman said he wasn’t disappointed in how Farnsworth pitched on Thursday, complimenting fastball velocity and slider depth.“It doesn’t make me shy away from him,” Hillman said. “With the difficulties we’ve had in the bullpen, he’s throwing the ball as good as anybody.”Medical updates•Alex Gordon is swinging a bat and taking ground balls regularly now, two sets of each, with some light jogging.•Mike Aviles still has five days or so of keeping his right forearm stabilized, and focusing on conditioning and agility drills for his lower half.

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Posted on Fri, Jun. 12, 2009 11:29 PM

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Royals notebook: DeJesus bats leadoff again

By SAM MELLINGER

The Kansas City Star

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David DeJesus batted leadoff for the third consecutive game and fifth time in the last six games.

Royals manager Trey Hillman said he’s made the determination that as long as Coco Crisp’s shoulder is an issue, DeJesus and Willie Bloomquist are the team’s best options to lead off.

Asked if he likes DeJesus batting leadoff best, Hillman said, “I like it if it works.”

DeJesus entered Friday batting .295 in the leadoff spot, compared to .245 batting second and .263 in the No. 3 spot.

He went one for three with a walk Friday.

Hillman said he doesn’t believe DeJesus feels more comfortable batting leadoff than anywhere else in the order.

“I’ve asked that question 100 times,” he said. “He’s as comfortable anywhere, according to him, as he is in the leadoff spot. We did our homework very well on that, starting with the offseason and spring training. David’s one of those guys I feel like I can trust.”

Farnsworth fine

Kyle Farnsworth’s string of 17 consecutive scoreless outings ended when he gave up the game-winning run in the 10th inning on Thursday. He entered with the score tied, the first time during the streak that he’d come in with the Royals ahead fewer than three or down fewer than two.

Coincidence or not, opposing batters are hitting .149 (10 for 67) against Farnsworth in situations that Baseball-Reference terms low-leverage, and .667 (eight for 12) in high-leverage.

Hillman said he wasn’t disappointed in how Farnsworth pitched on Thursday, complimenting fastball velocity and slider depth.

“It doesn’t make me shy away from him,” Hillman said. “With the difficulties we’ve had in the bullpen, he’s throwing the ball as good as anybody.”

Medical updates

•Alex Gordon is swinging a bat and taking ground balls regularly now, two sets of each, with some light jogging.

•Mike Aviles still has five days or so of keeping his right forearm stabilized, and focusing on conditioning and agility drills for his lower half.

To reach Sam Mellinger, sports reporter for The Star, call 816-234-4365 or send e-mail to smellinger@kcstar.com

Posted on Fri, Jun. 12, 2009 11:29 PM

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