Competition in Royals' outfield is likely for five spots

Ned Yost has ruled out the possibility of using an 11-man bullpen to start the season, which gives him something in common with 29 other major-league managers. So there will be almost no conceivable way for the team to carry outfielders Justin Maxwell and Carlos Peguero both on the roster.

Maxwell and Peguero are vying for the fifth outfield spot. Jarrod Dyson is expected to make the club as center-field insurance for the oft-injured Lorenzo Cain. Maxwell impressed team officials are being acquired from Houston last season.

The team is also intrigued with Peguero’s potential. Peguero, 27, has an .851 on-base plus slugging percentage in three seasons at Class AAA with Seattle.

Each player provided highlights from Monday’s intrasquad game. Peguero unfurled an opposite-field bomb off Wade Davis in the second inning. In the bottom of the frame, Maxwell raked a triple off Tim Collins.

This story was originally published February 24, 2014 at 5:48 PM with the headline "Competition in Royals' outfield is likely for five spots."