Bruce Chen pitched four scoreless in Sunday’s 6-4 loss to the Mariners, giving up three hits and a walk with six strikeouts. He says he is ready to go for Friday’s season opener against Albert Pujols and the Angels. The Royals are off Monday and play the Padres at Petco Park on Tuesday and then again on Wednesday before another off day Thursday.
“I worked very hard in the offseason to prepare myself. Early in Spring Training things were not going my way. I try to make pitches and try to keep everything positive,” Chen said. “My arm feels great, I feel like I was throwing my pitches and I was around the zone, and the last couple of times everything has come together. I’m very happy and I’m very glad that it’s at the right time.”
The Royals will have a light workout today with Luke Hochevar pitching to teammates, before they head off to San Diego. The Royals finished in Arizona at 15-15.