Kyle Zimmer returns to action for Royals’ Class A affiliate

Kyle Zimmer, the Royals top pitching prospect, returned to action for three innings with Class A Lexington on Thursday. Zimmer pitched for the first time since experiencing shoulder tightness in an outing June 6.

The setback turned out to be minor. Zimmer struck out three batters and gave up four hits. The Lakewood BlueClaws dented him for one run.

Zimmer, 23, was the No. 5 pick in the 2012 draft. His development has been delayed by a series of arm issues. He underwent a minor shoulder cleanout last October after missing most of 2014.

The Royals are building up his pitch count at the lowest rungs of their minor-league system, rather than keeping him cooped up in their complex in Arizona.

To reach Andy McCullough, call 816-234-4370 or send email to rmccullough@kcstar.com. Follow him on Twitter: @McCulloughStar.

This story was originally published June 12, 2015 at 6:26 PM with the headline "Kyle Zimmer returns to action for Royals’ Class A affiliate."