Hammel gets 1st spring start under his belt

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The last of the Royals starters finally made his spring debut, as right-hander Jason Hammel tossed two scoreless innings in the Royals' 2-0 win over the Giants on Saturday.
Hammel, projected to be the team's No. 3 or No. 4 starter, admitted he might have been a bit amped up prior to the start after the long wait.
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Hammel gave up two hits and walked a batter in the first inning.
"It's a get-your-work-in-type moment, yes," Hammel said. "But honestly, I think I blew everything I had in the bullpen. I warmed up there and I was great.
"For the first outing, for my routine this spring, this is the most I've thrown in one day. I definitely gassed myself in the bullpen a little bit."
Hammel walked none and struck out none. He threw 31 pitches, 17 for strikes.
It also was Hammel's first game situation with Salvador Perez behind the plate.
"For a big guy, he moves really well behind the plate," Hammel said. "He's got strong hands and makes pitches look better than they really are. Obviously, he's outstanding behind the dish."