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Day in camp
Not that it matters, understand, but the Royals are really hemorrhaging runs through three games of their Cactus League season. Saturday afternoon offered the worst yet in a 15-7 loss to the Texas Rangers at Surprise Stadium.
It was even worse than it sounds, too. The Rangers sent out a team of reserves and minor-leaguers that really pushed the envelope of an MLB rule requiring that at least four regulars start every spring game.
The Rangers slugged three homers among their 17 hits, including a grand slam by Julio Borbon in a six-run seventh after the Royals had trimmed an 8-1 deficit to 8-6.
Staff totals through three games: 30 runs, 41 hits, 18 walks and six homers.
ARMS RACE
Royals starter Zack Greinke worked around some deep counts in pitching two scoreless innings before exiting after yielding three straight singles to open the third. That turned into three runs.
Yasuhiko Yabuta struggled again when he allowed one run on one hit and two walks in the eighth. He gave up two runs and three hits in one inning last Wednesday against the Rangers.
On the plus side, Ron Mahay pitched around an error in working a scoreless ninth. He struck out two hitters.
REGULAR GUYS
Billy Butler had a costly drop at first base in Texas’ five-run third inning. He failed to hold a throw from second baseman Mike Aviles on what could have an inning-ending double play.
One run scored on the play, and Chris Davis followed with a three-run homer.
“That five spot should have been a one,” manager Trey Hillman said. “That one is very disturbing to me because of what it dominoes into.”
Catcher John Buck dropped a foul pop for an error in the Rangers’ three-run fifth. Shortstop Jason Smith booted two grounders.
NOTABLES
•Catcher Miguel Olivo worked out with the outfielders for the first time in pre-game drills. He then went one for three as the designated hitter as a late replacement for an ailing Justin Huber.
•Left fielder Mark Teahen went two for three with a walk in four plate appearances.
•Third baseman Alex Gordon, who went two for three, is scheduled to leave camp today after a morning workout to attend the funeral Monday for his paternal grandfather in Lincoln. Neb.
ON DECK
Right-hander Kyle Davies opens his bid for the rotation today when he piggy-backs Brian Bannister against the Rangers. Jimmy Gobble, Leo Nuñez, Joel Peralta and Ryan Braun are also scheduled to pitch.