GAME SUMMARY The Royals used a five-run sixth inning to overcome an early deficit for the second straight night Tuesday when they rallied for an 8-4 victory over the San Diego Padres in Peoria, Ariz.
Esteban German delivered a two-run double in the decisive sixth inning.
Brett Tomko closed his spring audition for the rotation by yielding three runs — one earned — and five hits in four innings. . Tomko then threw 30 extra pitches in the bullpen to simulate a 100-pitch outing.
Was it enough to merit a job as a starter?
“I feel pretty good about it,” Tomko said. “There were a couple of games that don’t look so hot, but I feel that stuffwise, the last two or three games, I’ve thrown the ball well.”
REGULAR GUYS
Royals manager Trey Hillman indicated utilityman Esteban German will be the club’s primary right fielder if Jose Guillen’s 15-day suspension isn’t rescinded before the season opens.
“I would probably lean toward going with German,” Hillman said. “He has played very well out there. I want to leave (Mark) Teahen alone in left.”
Teahen played first base in Tuesday’s game and could see time there as the season unfolds in order to clear lineup space for Joey Gathright. But Teahen isn’t likely to return to right field.
“I think he’s going to get at-bats at left, first and DH,” Hillman said. “I’m going to try keep him out of right to keep from complicating the situation for him.”
ARMS RACE
Right-hander Kyle Davies’ bid for the rotation took a hit Tuesday afternoon when he allowed six runs and 11 hits in five innings in a minor-league game.
“Davies was not very sharp,” Hillman said. “I’m not going to say that takes him out of the mix, but I would say that it probably promotes John Bale’s status even more.”
Bale is a heavy favorite for the fourth spot in the rotation behind Gil Meche, Brian Bannister and Zack Greinke. Davies appears to be battling Brett Tomko and Jorge De La Rosa for the final spot in the rotation.
“It’s coming down to the end,” Davies said. “All I can do is try to pitch as well as I can pitch.”
MOVES AND DEALS
Club officials spent more than two hours in meetings Tuesday morning to review roster options. More meetings are scheduled for today. The club still has 42 players in big-league camp and must get down to 24, because of Miguel Olivo’s suspension, by 2 p.m. Sunday.
INJURY UPDATES
Outfielder David DeJesus remains sidelined by an ankle injury he received in Monday’s victory over the Dodgers. He described his right ankle as sore but expected to be fine in a day or two.
Olivo experienced no problems with his previously strained right groin while playing seven innings in a minor-league game. He is expected to play today in an “A” game for the first time since March 14.
ON DECK
Meche gets his final spring tune-up this afternoon when he faces Seattle at Surprise Stadium. The Royals plan to limit Meche to 65-70 pitches in preparation for his start next Monday in the season opener at Detroit.
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