SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Well, that couldn’t have gone much better for Royals right-hander Brad Keller, who made his spring debut on Saturday against the Mariners.
Keller, who could possibly be the Royals’ Opening Day starter, pitched two scoreless innings in the Royals’ 8-0 win. Keller gave up no hits, one walk, and struck out two.
“It was nice to see competition,” Keller said. “I felt really good today. I was a little too amped up early. Once I get two or three outings in, I’ll settle down.”
One pitch Keller is experimenting with this spring is a changeup.
“I threw two changeups which, both were balls, but it’s a confidence thing,” he said. “I’m working on them in the bullpen but I’m trying to incorporate them into the game. It’s just another look for the hitter. You keep throwing fastball-slider they’ll sit on those.”
Royals debut for Storen
Right-hander Drew Storen saw his first action since having Tommy John surgery in the fall of 2017. Predictably, Storen, too, was a little too amped up.
Storen hit two batters and walked another, loading the bases with one out. He then induced a 1-2-3 double-play ball.
“It’s exciting to be back out there,” he said. “First time out there your tempo is going to be a little quick. But I got through it. Just part of the adrenaline facing guys in a game situation.”
That quick tempo affected his fastball, which sat at 87 mph. Normally, Storen said his fastball is in the low 90s.
“Some of the pitches I just overcooked,” he said.
Storen’s signature pitch, his slider, was off as well.
“Couple of good ones, couple of awful ones,” he said. “But I was able to make the right pitch at the right time. Classic bullpen work -- make one good pitch to get out of it.”
Duffy OK
Royals left-hander Danny Duffy, who has yet to make his spring debut and has been shut down for about a week, was assessed by the medical staff Saturday and said he was told his left shoulder is fine.
Duffy also said he was cleared to resume throwing after Monday’s off-day.
Up next
The Royals will travel to Goodyear on Sunday for a 2:05 p.m. CT game against the Indians. Rule 5 Draft pick Chris Ellis will get the start for the Royals and is expected to be followed by left-hander Richard Lovelady, and right-handers Kyle Zimmer, Jason Adam, Jake Newberry and Ben Lively.