SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Royals right-hander Homer Bailey, a non-roster invitee still in the running for a potential rotation spot, made a solid case to head north come Opening Day with his performance Saturday against the Brewers.

Bailey tossed four scoreless innings, giving up four hits while walking one and striking out two in the Royals’ 6-2 win.

“It went pretty smooth,” Bailey said. “I thought we rolled through hitters pretty quick, made them put it in play. We had just one long at-bat. I might have had even one more inning in me.

“There were a few things we addressed from the last time out and we got good results, things that will help you with your location and things that will help you with sequencing. That’s what Spring Training is for, just trying to be competitive in at-bats and making them put it in play.”

Bailey had his best spring outing by far.

“I think I’m right on track,” Bailey said. “You look at the calendar and I know [the regular season] is right around the corner. But our progression is good.

“I don’t know if excited is the word you use [about today], but you do feel good about results in terms of ball placement in your hand and your location. Those are the things you want to see.”

Bailey has a March 25 opt-out date in his contract, but said that he hasn’t bothered to think about that yet.

“That’s what I pay my agent to do,” he said.

Maldonado hit by pitch

Royals catcher Martin Maldonado, signed to replace the injured Salvador Perez, got his second game in during a Minor League matchup on the backfields. Maldonado caught four innings and his highlight was throwing out the speedy Terrance Gore, who was trying to steal second base.

“He’s a fast guy, so you have to be ready,” Maldonado said.

Maldonado also was hit by a pitch in his right calf. Although he was limping afterward in the clubhouse, he said he was OK.

Maldonado is scheduled to DH in a Minor League game Sunday.

“It’ll be a little sore tomorrow,” he said. “We’ll see.”

Up next

The Royals will travel to Scottsdale on Sunday for a 3:05 p.m. CT game against he Giants. Right-hander Brad Keller is scheduled to start, followed by Ian Kennedy, Michael Ynoa, Sam McWilliams and Richard Lovelady.