Lamb's velocity up as comeback continues

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- Left-hander John Lamb, continuing his comeback from Tommy John surgery, impressed manager Ned Yost with his improved velocity on Sunday.

Lamb gave up two hits and one run in a 5-3 win over the Cubs in his first Cactus League outing.

"Last year he came back after the Tommy John and his arm speed was down a little bit, his velocity was down a little bit," Yost said. "He's back -- he was popping the ball at 90 to 92 miles an hour, great breaking ball, always had a great changeup. So he's back on track, which is really good to see. I'm excited for him."

Lamb, the Royals' fifth round pick in the 2008 First-Year Player Draft, spent most of last season with Class A Wilmington, but finished with Triple-A Omaha.

"It was a big outing for him to come out and pitch as well as he did," Yost said.