Lefties Dwyer, Lamb among Royals' first cuts

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Left-handed pitchers Chris Dwyer and John Lamb were among 14 players cut from the Royals' Major League spring camp roster on Monday.

Dwyer was optioned to Triple-A Omaha. Lamb -- along with infielder Cheslor Cuthbert and outfielder Lane Adams -- was optioned to Double-A Northwest Arkansas.

Right-handed pitcher Kyle Zimmer, rated the Royals' top prospect by MLB.com, was assigned to the Minor League camp, along with nine others: Right-handed pitchers Jason Adam, Aaron Brooks and Sugar Ray Marimon; catcher Juan Graterol; infielder Brandon Laird; and outfielders Jorge Bonifacio, Gorkys Hernandez, Melky Mesa and Paulo Orlando.

"Dwyer looked great; he was a tough one, but we run out of innings this time of year, when starters start to get lengthened out," manager Ned Yost said. "We didn't want him sitting here pitching one inning over the next seven or eight days, when he could be down getting himself lengthened out. Because he's going to be a viable candidate, if something happens, to come up and step into the rotation."

That designation might also fit Zimmer later in the season. He was held out of Cactus League games rather than take a chance on risking more problems to his right shoulder, which flared up late last year. Zimmer is expected to be eased into games later.

Lamb, a hot prospect before elbow surgery, was hit hard in his last outing, but he impressed with increased velocity on his fastball.

"I was very pleased with the way he came in. His side sessions were night-and-day better than they were last year after coming off the Tommy John," Yost said. "His arm is back now. He's got life to his fastball, he's got depth to his breaking stuff and he's always had the real good changeup."

Initially, the cuts were expected to be made on Tuesday after a "B" game, but it was decided to go ahead and get the players active in Minor League camp.