Alcides' shoulder improved after cortisone shot

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Shortstop Alcides Escobar said his aching right shoulder was feeling better on Thursday morning after he received a cortisone shot.

"It's a little bit better," Escobar said in the Royals' clubhouse. "I started throwing last Saturday and Sunday. I think I'm going to be ready for the game on Sunday."

Escobar's new middle infield partner, Omar Infante, was at second base for the third time in four days after being down with his own sore shoulder.

"We went ahead and injected Esky's shoulder," manager Ned Yost said. "So it was sore yesterday from the injection, it feels better today. He'll probably start taking some swings today and will probably play in two or three days."

"I'll be ready for the season," Escobar said. "Here it doesn't count anything."

With the Royals halfway through their 30-game Cactus League schedule, Escobar and Infante have yet to be paired in a game.

"We want to play together," Escobar said. "We only played together in the intrasquad game, but they'll see us together a lot of times this year."

"We've got plenty of time," Yost said. "They're both quality middle infielders. They're going to flow very nicely together."