Royals notes: Chris Young set to pitch simulated game, nearing a return to roster

Royals right-hander Chris Young is set to throw a simulated game at Kauffman Stadium on Thursday or Friday, the next step in his recovery from a low-grade strain in his right forearm.

Young threw a 35-pitch bullpen on Tuesday afternoon at Target Field. He reported that “everything went perfect.” He is eligible to come off the disabled list starting on Wednesday. The Royals will evaluate his progress after his simulated game, determining when the 6-foot-10 right-hander could be ready to re-join the 25-man roster.

On Tuesday, Young said his forearm felt “100 percent” better since going on the disabled list earlier this month. For seven weeks, his ailing forearm kept him from doing normal, daily activities, he said. He is now able to properly take off his shoes and brush his teeth.

He is hopeful a healthy forearm will help re-gain the life on his fastball.

“It’s a nice feeling,” Young said. “Hopefully, it’ll translate to better results.”

Young recorded a 1-6 record with a 6.68 ERA in his first seven starts. His fastball velocity sat in the high 80s, faster than it was during a successful season in 2015. But the “life” from his fastball was gone, and opposing teams clobbered him, hitting 13 homers in 32 1/3 innings.

Young suspects the forearm issue was preventing him from properly finishing his pitches. He stressed that he did not wish to make excuses for his performances. But he remains confident he can pitch effectively if he is healthy.

“Talk is cheap,” Young said. “You got to go do it. But I expect to.”

On the whole, Young believes his stuff can be as good as it was when he was a young pitcher in San Diego, before a rash of health issues robbed him of his velocity. His fastball is back to 88 or 89. His body feels healthier than it has in years. The key, Young said, is finding the life on his fastball.

“I expect to be even better [than last year],” Young said. “I don’t know, maybe I should re-adjust my expectations. But if you settle for less, you’ll just never be great.”

Still, when Young returns to the roster, it is not guaranteed he will slide back into the rotation, a reality he accepts. In the last two weeks, right-hander Dillon Gee and left-hander Danny Duffy have pitched effectively in the rotation, helping the Royals climb back over .500. Which means Young could return to a long relief role in the bullpen — for the moment, at least.

“Duffy and Dillon are throwing great,” Young said, before referencing his team’s hot play. “Whatever they need.”

Moustakas out of the starting lineup again

For another day on Tuesday, third baseman Mike Moustakas was not in the Royals’ starting lineup. He is nursing a bruise on his right knee after being involved in a collision with Alex Gordon on Sunday in Chicago.

Royals manager Ned Yost said Moustakas was starting to feel back to normal but still was listed as day to day.

This story was originally published May 24, 2016 at 9:26 PM with the headline "Royals notes: Chris Young set to pitch simulated game, nearing a return to roster."