Paulino feels great but vexed by walks

GLENDALE, Ariz. -- There wasn't much happiness coming from Felipe Paulino after he issued four walks over 5 1/3 innings during Saturday's 8-5 loss to the Giants. But for a pitcher who has not been in a Major League game since 2012 with the Royals, the most important factor right now is that he feels great and ready for the season after topping 100 pitches.

"Physically, I feel great," said Paulino, who has been sidelined by ulnar collateral ligament replacement surgery in July 2012 and by a cyst removed from his shoulder last September. "I like the confidence they give to me and build it up.

"The thing right now, 100 pitches I think is enough for me. It's great but ... I just need to figure out how to throw less walks and then I can go deeper in the game."

Paulino pointed to release-point issues in his delivery as part of the reason for Saturday's wildness.

"It's unacceptable for me," said Paulino of the free passes. "I will keep working hard with this and will try to make this more easy for me. In the end, I'm looking [out] for the team, to keep it close in the game and give it a chance to win."