Royals intersquad game canceled as rain affects plans for pitching staff

The Royals scheduled Ryan Madson to throw an inning in an intersquad game on Monday. But even before the rain intervened and caused the scrimmage to be canceled, the team scratched Madson from the appearance because of stiffness in his back.

Manager Ned Yost cautioned that Madson felt no discomfort in his right shoulder or in his right elbow. Madson has not pitched in the majors since 2011 because of complications from Tommy John surgery. Kansas City framed the maneuver as precautionary, especially this early in spring training.

“We don’t anticipate it will be much at all,” pitching coach Dave Eiland said.

Madson was not available to reporters on Monday. The clubhouse was closed in the morning because of a meeting with representatives from the MLBPA. When the room opened to reporters, Madson was said to be in the trainer’s room.

Eiland was unsure when, exactly, Madson could return to action. He can pitch “when it loosens up,” he said.

With rain ruining the day’s plans, the pitchers scheduled to perform threw bullpen sessions indoors. Luke Hochevar was slated to take part in live batting practice, but instead that will have to wait until later this week. Yost does not expect to pitch Hochevar in a Cactus League game until next week at the earliest. Eiland has said Hochevar is about a week to 10 days behind his teammates as he returns from Tommy John surgery.

Hochevar may not be on the roster at the start of the season. The Royals could place him on the disabled list as he rebuilds arm strength.

“If he’s not ready for Opening Day, it’s going to be real soon afterwards,” Yost said. “Barring any little setbacks.”

Aaron Brooks will start Wednesday’s Cactus League opener against the Rangers. He will be followed by Yohan Pino, Tim Collins, Louis Coleman, Jandel Gustave, Scott Alexander, Buddy Baumann and Joe Paterson.

Brian Flynn will face Texas the next day. He will be followed by Miguel Almonte, Michael Mariot, Chris Dwyer and Brian Broderick.

This story was originally published March 2, 2015 at 1:18 PM with the headline "Royals intersquad game canceled as rain affects plans for pitching staff."