Madson, Royals pleased with throwing session

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Right-hander Ryan Madson hadn't faced a hitter since 2011, the year he recorded 32 saves with a 2.37 ERA with the Phillies.

So, yes, Madson was both nervous and excited on Sunday as he threw a bullpen session to Royals Minor League hitters -- all under the watchful eye of manager Ned Yost.

"He looked good," Yost said. "It's my first decent look at him. Good changeup. Still has enough left on his fastball, too. That changeup, though, is an out pitch."

Madson, 34, missed three seasons while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He worked out this winter for Jim Fregosi Jr., who serves as special assistant to general manager Dayton Moore. Fregosi had signed Madson in 1998, when he was a Phillies scout.

Now, Madson is hoping he can land a spot in the Royals' bullpen.

"Today, I was just trying to keep my mechanics right," he said. "But yeah, it'd been a long time since I faced a hitter. It felt pretty good, really."