Royals camp update: Hillman says Butler will mainly be a DH

SURPRISE, Ariz. | Billy Butler will spend most of his time as the designated hitter once the season starts.

That’s not unexpected, but Royals manager Trey Hillman made it official before Saturday’s game against the San Diego Padres at Surprise Stadium.

“I’ve already met with Billy,” Hillman said, “and told him the majority of his at-bats will be at the DH role. There will be some times when he will be at first base, and it might not only be during interleague games when we’re in National League ballparks.

“I like the lateral range of (Ryan) Shealy and (Ross) Gload a little better than I like the lateral range of Billy Butler. But I’ve been very impressed with Billy’s footwork around the bag and his hands defensively overall.

Through the grapevine

The rumor mill is picking up. One has the Royals discussing a deal to send utilityman Esteban German to the Dodgers for right-handed pitchers Jonathan Meloan and Miguel Pinango.

Meloan, 23, worked five games last season for the Dodgers after going 7-4 with a 2.40 ERA in 86 minor-league games from 2005-07. Pinango, 25, was 10-7 with a 4.12 ERA last season in 23 starts for Class AAA Las Vegas.

The other rumor has the Royals agreeing to pay half of shortstop Angel Berroa’s $4.75 million salary in order to send him to Washington for right-hander Zech Zinicola, who was 0-4 with a 5.46 ERA last season in 42 games at Class AA Harrisburg.

Possible lineup preview

With Mark Grudzielanek playing for the first time since March 10, the Royals were able to put together what might be their regular lineup once the season starts — although the positions were somewhat jumbled because Jose Guillen was the designated hitter.

David DeJesus led off, followed by Grudzielanek, Alex Gordon, Guillen, Mark Teahen, Butler, Gload, John Buck and Tony Peña.

To reach Bob Dutton, Royals reporter for The Star, call 816-234-4352 or send e-mail to bdutton@kcstar.com.