Royals set rotation into season's first week

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Royals have their starting pitchers lined up for the rest of Spring Training and beyond.

Bruce Chen will start against the Mariners on Tuesday night, and James Shields will have his final tuneup for Opening Day on Wednesday against the Padres.

The Royals will move to Milwaukee for Thursday's open date. Jason Vargas will start against the Brewers on Friday night at Miller Park, and Yordano Ventura and Jeremy Guthrie will split the assignment on Saturday.

The season will begin on Monday at Detroit with Shields pitching against Justin Verlander. After an off-day on April 1, Vargas and Ventura are the probable pitchers for the next two games at Comerica Park. Guthrie will pitch the home opener April 4 against the White Sox, and Chen will go the next day.

When the club leaves for Milwaukee after Wednesday's game in Arizona, Chen will stay behind in Surprise and work in Minor League games.