The Royals will leave for Florida after this afternoon&#8217;s game with Detroit with a below-.500 record. The offense is still sputtering at times.</p><p>But it seems as if the Royals have come up with many team-type victories in the first six weeks of the season.</p><p>The 3-2 win over Detroit on Tuesday was a perfect example. Strong starting pitching, solid relief and great pinch running in the bottom of the eighth by Esteban German and Ross Gload.</p><p>&#8220;I think what&#8217;s lost in the American League is you don&#8217;t see a lot of pinch running like that,&#8221; Royals second baseman Mark Grudzielanek said. &#8220;We are a team that can utilize our bench a little bit with the speed we have there. Depending on who the lineup is set up for, we are going to see how the game goes and not be afraid to use the bench. (Tuesday night) was a good example.&#8221;</p><p>Even though Kansas City is within striking distance of .500, Grudzielanek says the Royals have areas they need to improve.</p><p>&#8220;It&#8217;s not like we are playing outstanding ball right now,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Offensively, we&#8217;ve got to do a better job and be a little more consistent. But you know what? It&#8217;s early. What&#8217;s nice in our division nobody has run away with it.</p><p>&#8220;We are in the mix and we believe we are in the mix and we are going to keep fighting.&#8221;</p><p><strong><span class="subhead">Greinke hitting</span></strong></p><p>Another sign that Zack Greinke is taking his role as a starting pitcher seriously was when he spoke about his next start.</p><p>Greinke is scheduled to pitch Sunday at Florida, which means he gets to hit in the interleague game.</p><p>In the past, getting a chance to hit really excited Greinke. He crushed a home run in 2005 at Arizona. He also gave up 11 runs in that game and got a no-decision in a 12-11 loss.</p><p>&#8220;I used to get excited (about hitting), but it doesn&#8217;t matter to me anymore,&#8221; Greinke said. &#8220;I&#8217;d much rather pitch well than get a hit or two. Whereas in the past I&#8217;d have taken not pitching well if I got a couple of hits or hit the ball well.</p><p>&#8220;Now I&#8217;m completely focused on pitching and not worrying about the other stuff.&#8221;</p><p><strong><span class="subhead">Ramirez pitching</span></strong></p><p>Reliever Ramon Ramirez looks at home in a Royals uniform. He was acquired from Colorado on March 26 and has quickly become an integral part of Kansas City&#8217;s bullpen.</p><p>&#8220;I feel comfortable,&#8221; he said. &#8220;This team has given me a chance to pitch.&#8221;</p><p>And Ramirez has taken advantage. In 16 appearances, Ramirez has allowed 14 hits and two earned runs in 17 innings for a 1.06 ERA.</p><p>Ramirez and Leo Nu&#241;ez have shared the role of setup for closer Joakim Soria.</p><p>Ramirez said it doesn&#8217;t matter what role he pitches in he is just happy he is able to contribute.</p><p>&#8220;I love pitching,&#8221; he said.</p><p><strong><span class="subhead">Minor details</span></strong></p><p>Omaha outfielder Mitch Maier extended his hitting streak to 17 games on Tuesday. Omaha was off Wednesday and will return to action tonight at Albuquerque.</p><p><strong><span class="subhead">Etc.</span></strong></p><p>The &#8220;Glove for Kids&#8221; event on Monday raised $8,905.