Yost expects to rest Davis with stiff neck

KANSAS CITY -- Royals setup reliever Wade Davis was experiencing neck stiffness and was not expected to be used in Thursday night's game against the Orioles.

"Wade showed up yesterday with a bit of a stiff neck," manager Ned Yost said before the opener of a four-game series. "He's still fighting it a little bit right now. He's going to come out and play a little catch, but Wade was unavailable yesterday."

That was why Kelvin Herrera pitched the eighth inning in Wednesday night's 3-2 victory over the Rockies. Herrera turned in a perfect inning.

After pregame practice on Thursday, Davis was reported to be "a little better," but Yost indicated he'd avoid using him if possible.

"We've got the arms down there to cover it," Yost said.

Apparently there was no baseball-related cause for Davis' stiff neck. He just woke up with it on Wednesday.

"His pillow caused it," Yost said.