SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Now that the Royals have seen super utility man Chris Owings up close this Spring Training, their scouting reports have been confirmed: Owings should be a valuable addition.

Owings, who signed a one-year deal this offseason, was brought in for his versatility, much like what Whit Merrifield provides.

Owings has played around the infield, which is exactly what manager Ned Yost envisions for him in 2019.

“He has been exactly as I have anticipated,” Yost said. “He had a rough year last year [.206 in 106 games with Arizona], but I expect him to have a bounce-back year. I know that he’s a very, very solid defender at any position I put him. He’s a lot like Whit. He’s on that same level. I’m very comfortable putting [Owings] anywhere on the field.”

And that includes as Adalberto Mondesi’s primary backup at shortstop.

“Absolutely,” Yost said. “I know his skill set. I know he can handle it. I have lofty expectations for him.”

After a somewhat slow start this spring, Owings has picked it up offensively. He’s hitting .323 (10-for-31) with five doubles, two home runs and a stolen base.

“He’s going to be a solid offensive contributor,” Yost said. “We’ve seen that the last 10 days. He’s really swinging the bat well.”

Gore taking his walks

Yost also has been impressed with outfielder Terrance Gore offensively this spring. Gore has a .417 on-base percentage, bolstered by a team-high seven walks.

“He has to do things to take advantage of his skill set,” Yost said. “And that means getting on base.”

Duffy making progress

Left-hander Danny Duffy continues to progress in his throwing program. He said he threw about 10 pitches off the mound three days ago, and he is scheduled to throw about 25-30 pitches off the mound on Wednesday. Duffy was shut down two weeks ago because of shoulder tightness but reports he has been throwing pain-free while playing catch.

Duffy would appear to be a candidate to remain in Arizona for extended spring training. The Royals won’t need a fifth starter until the second week of the regular season.

Boxberger OK

Reliever Brad Boxberger made his first Cactus League appearance in two weeks on Monday night, allowing a run on two hits and a walk, striking out one, in one-third of an inning against the Rangers.

“He had a little groin strain after his first appearance,” Yost said. “It didn’t really slow him down that much. He kept throwing his sides. He kept his arm in shape. No lingering effect. He felt nothing after the game last night.”

Roster move

The Royals optioned right-hander Scott Blewett and infielder Kelvin Gutierrez to Triple-A Omaha. In addition, left-hander Foster Griffin, catchers MJ Melendez and Sebastian Rivero and first baseman Samir Duenez were sent to Minor League camp.

Up next

The Royals, whose game against the White Sox on Tuesday was cancelled because of rain, will take on the Indians on Wednesday at 3:05 p.m. CT at Surprise Stadium. Right-hander Brad Keller, who was named the Opening Day starter just before he was scheduled to pitch in Tuesday's rainout, will go Wednesday instead. Yost said the rest of his pitching order for the game is yet to be determined.