Medlen set to throw sim game in Kansas City

KANSAS CITY -- Right-hander Kris Medlen, coming back from his second Tommy John surgery, was back in the clubhouse on Tuesday and will stay here about a week while the Royals move their spring operation to Papago, Ariz.

The Royals' facilities in Surprise, Ariz., are under renovation.

So Medlen, who is in extended spring, plans to continue throwing here. On Thursday, he will throw a simulated game along with left-hander Danny Duffy, who is on the disabled list as well.

Medlen reports he is up to about 30-35 pitches per outing -- those usually lasting two innings or so now.

"The fastball is coming out pretty good," Medlen said. "I don't throw the ball as hard as most of the guys in here, but I attack the zone with the fastball. My changeup is, or was, my best pitch. And my curveball feels just as good as it used to."

Medlen will return to Arizona and build up his pitch count to 70 or so and then the Royals likely will send him out on a rehab assignment later this month.

Medlen said he is looking forward to facing more experienced hitters than the young hitters he's facing now.

"More seasoned hitters that don't swing at everything," he said. "It feels good that I'm breaking some bats and getting some outs. But it will help to work against more seasoned hitters that will take a pitch or won't [duck out of the way] against any breaking ball."