SURPRISE, Ariz. | Luke Hochevar is shifting to starting duty after two strong two-inning relief appearances.</p><p> The Royals scratched Hochevar from a scheduled relief outing Thursday against the Diamondbacks in order to give him a starting assignment Friday against the Rangers in a “B” game.</p><p> “Don’t read anything into that,” manager Trey Hillman said. “He came in as a starting candidate, so what more do you want to read into that. He’s as much in the race as he was. The intent from day one was to build his innings.”</p><p> Even so, Hillman admits Hochevar is making an impression.</p><p> “I’m very impressed with what he’s done up to this point,” he said. “I’ve been impressed with his presence, with his confidence level, and just his perception of being in control on the mound.”</p><p> Hochevar is expected to pitch three innings against the Rangers.</p><p><strong>Maroth pushed back</strong></p><p> Veteran lefty Mike Maroth, slowed by tightness in his shoulder, was also scratched Thursday from what was supposed to be his spring debut. He threw live batting practice instead on the practice fields. </p><p> “He hasn’t had a setback,” Hillman said. “We’re just being careful. We want to make sure that soreness has totally disappeared. He didn’t have a setback. He’s champing at the bit.</p><p> “We’re going to ease him into `B’ games or sim(ulated) games. He’s continued to get better, but we want to make sure we have a healthy guy before we throw him into the fire against outside competition.”</p><p><strong>Teahen slowed</strong></p><p> Outfielder Mark Teahen skipped batting practice for a second straight day after reporting a sore forearm earlier in the week.</p><p> “He came in feeling better today,” Hillman said, “but he’s going to take the day off from swinging today and concentrate on defense. We’ll put the bat back in his hands (Friday) and see what happens.”</p><p> Hillman said Teahen probably won’t return to the lineup before Saturday.</p><p><strong>Ticket sales</strong></p><p> The sale of single-game tickets, including a limited number for the home opener, will begin at 9 a.m. Saturday. They can be purchased online at www.royals.com, by calling 800-676-9257, at Hy-Vee stores in the Kansas City area and at Kauffman Stadium.</p><p> Tickets for the home opener, April 8 against the Yankees, will not be available at Hy-Vee stores.</p><p> Fans purchasing tickets at the stadium must enter the Truman Sports Complex through Gate 2, which is located on the east side of the stadium. All other gates will be closed to fan traffic. Gate 2 opens at 6 a.m.</p><p> Season-ticket packages are already available online and by phone.