Pino adding firepower in Royals' stout bullpen

KANSAS CITY -- It's simply contagious.

The Royals' bullpen, so dominant last season, has even gotten better in 2015.

After four more scoreless innings in a 3-0 loss to Minnesota on Wednesday, Kansas City's 'pen has logged 22 straight scoreless innings. And get this -- the bullpen has given up runs in just one of its 46 1/3 innings.

Add right-hander Yohan Pino to the mix of weapons at manager Ned Yost's disposal.

Pino, just called up last week, has thrown 7 2/3 scoreless innings in two long relief outings.

"The thing that caught my attention in spring is that he's a strike thrower and he's not afraid," Yost said. "I've liked him a lot more now when you see him under this type of competition in the Major Leagues. He's done a really good job for us."

After 10 years in the Minors, Pino made his Major League debut last season with the Twins before signing as a free agent with the Royals over the winter.

Pino enjoyed pitching against his old teammates.

"I played with those guys all last year," he said. "But now I'm with a new team and I'll try to help them."

Pino said there wasn't one specific hitter that he got out that stood out in his mind.

"Not really," he said. "I don't pay attention to the hitters. I just look at [catcher Salvador] Perez."

Pino said he has a very simple formula for success.

"I just try to keep the ball down and let them hit the ball," he said. "I just try to throw strikes -- that's the most important thing. And get outs."

Pino will fit right in with this bullpen.