Zimmer enjoys best spring outing vs. Indians

March 4th, 2019

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Right-hander Kyle Zimmer continues to show improvement each time out this spring.

Zimmer threw two more scoreless innings in the Royals’ come-from-behind 13-7 win over the Indians on Sunday. Kansas City erased a 7-0 deficit in the Cactus League contest at Goodyear Ballpark.

Zimmer gave up two hits, but he walked none and struck out one.

“I think that was my best outing yet,” Zimmer said. “I was happy with it as far as mechanics, feeling fluid, getting through it.”

Royals manager Ned Yost said afterward that he was “really impressed” with Zimmer’s outing. Zimmer now has chalked up 4 2/3 scoreless innings this spring.

The biggest obstacle Sunday for Zimmer was the 30-minute-plus wait in the sixth inning as the Royals’ offense put up eight runs.

“For anybody that is a challenge,” Zimmer said. “You love when your team is putting up runs, but you also don’t like sitting for a half-hour. But you have to learn how to do that, to get back loose.”

Zimmer touched 96 mph during the outing.

“Arm strength building up, mechanics, sequencing -- it’s all getting better and better,” Zimmer said. “Hopefully it does keep getting better. Curveball felt good.”

Grand slam for Owings

Utility infielder Chris Owings, who is expected to play almost regularly at multiple positions, has had a rough beginning to camp. Owings came into Sunday’s game just 1-for-14.

But Owings belted a grand slam in the sixth inning. Both of his hits this spring are home runs.

Rough outing for Ellis

Right-hander Chris Ellis, one of two Rule 5 Draft picks trying to make the roster, had a rough go of it, giving up eight hits and seven runs over two innings.

Embarrassing,” Ellis said. “I threw strikes but pretty much every one was down the middle. Guys teed off on it. Something has to change. Can’t keep doing that.

“Maybe I could have sequenced better but at the end of the day, pitches that were hit were mostly down the middle. And guys don’t miss them.”

Up next

The Royals return to Surprise Stadium on Tuesday for a night game against the D-backs at 7:05 p.m. CT. Scheduled pitchers are Jorge Lopez, Homer Bailey, Jake Diekman, Wily Peralta, Kevin McCarthy and Glenn Sparkman.