Ned Yost media session: April 14

Prior to Thursday’s 7:10 p.m. first pitch against the Seattle Mariners at Kauffman Stadium, Royals manager Ned Yost shared with the media his optimism about getting Robinson Tejeda healthy and placing Blake Wood into the Royals’ bullpen mix. Tejeda is suffering from rotator cuff fatigue and some inflammation but Yost is confident that with rest, a cortisone shot which he received today and extensive strengthening programs, that he will be back to join the squad shortly.

Wood was recalled from Omaha (AAA) to take Tejeda’s spot. Yost commented that the Georgia Tech product is talented, fits in well with the bullpen, and had a solid spring training. Wood made 51 appearances out of the pen for KC last year after making his Major League debut on May 12, 2010 vs. Cleveland.

The Royals skipper spoke about tonight’s starting pitcher Bruce Chen and hopes for a great outing as the lefty goes up against the Mariners. He compliments Chen’s strategy of keeping the ball down and changing speeds effectively. Yost, after being asked a question regarding what he likes about how his club is doing in the early going, acknowledged that the squad has been simply doing well at playing baseball. The team has shown great defense (after committing 5 errors in first 2 games, team has made just 3 in last 9), excellent base-running, good hitting, and an exciting, young bullpen. He also said there’s no replacement for talent and the club has a lot of talented players.