Bannister gave up three runs and six hits in five innings. He yielded three doubles in a two-run second before a two-out walk, wild pitch and RBI single produced another run in the fifth.
“My arm strength continues to get better every outing,” he said. “My fastball had much more life on it today. I was able to get it down better. That’s going to continue to increase over the next two weeks.”
Bannister’s spring totals aren’t particularly impressive: 11 earned runs and 19 hits in 11 2/3 innings over three starts against Cactus League opponents. He limited a collection of minor-leaguers to one run in five innings in his previous outing.
“The goal today was just to continue to command pitches better,” he said. “I’ve been working with the velocities in the bullpen. The curveball was too slow at first, and the slider was a little too hard. That’s what led to some hits.”
Oakland left-hander Dana Eveland limited the Royals to three hits while pitching five scoreless innings. That came just two days after they failed to score in five innings against Milwaukee lefty Manny Parra.
ARMS RACE
Ron Mahay fueled Oakland’s three-run eighth by walking three of five hitters. He has now allowed runs in four of six spring appearances.
“I’m not in a panic mode by any means,” pitching coach Bob McClure said, “but I didn’t enjoy watching it. I know Ron’s done a good job in the major leagues in the past, and I think he’ll do a good job for us this year.”
Kyle Davies and Luke Hochevar each worked four scoreless innings in a minor-league game. Both are still in contention for jobs in the starting rotation.
Hideo Nomo is scheduled to begin his quest to make the team as a reliever with a two-inning appearance Thursday night against the Brewers. Nomo learned Sunday that he is no longer under consideration for the rotation.
Manager Trey Hillman acknowledges the club doesn’t view veteran lefty Mike Maroth as a candidate for the rotation when camp breaks. Maroth has been slowed by shoulder tightness.
“Not right now,” Hillman said. “He’s just too far behind.”
INJURY UPDATES
Catcher Miguel Olivo says he’s recovered from a slight strain in his right groin, but he won’t play before Thursday at the earliest. He isn’t listed on today’s travel squad to Mesa for a game against the Cubs, and Wednesday is an open date.
First baseman Billy Butler played Monday for the first time since Friday when he replaced Ross Gload in the fourth inning. Butler has been out because of the flu; he went zero for two.
Outfielder Jose Guillen, another flu victim, is scheduled to make today’s trip to Mesa. He hasn’t played since Wednesday.
ON DECK
Left-hander John Bale looks to solidify his bid for a spot in the rotation when he works five or six innings today against the Chicago Cubs in Mesa, Ariz. Bale has allowed five runs and 13 hits in 14 innings with 13 strikeouts and one walk.
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