Ned Yost media session: April 17

The first topic of discussion today was the status of the rotation for tomorrow and Friday. Royals pitcher Luke Hochevar passed his test and will now start on Friday against the Blue Jays, giving two one extras day to rest his ankle. Pitcher Jonathan Sanchez will be moved up to pitch tomorrow. Ned Yost stated that the club is going to take the advantage of bumping Jonathan up a day and sharpen up his command and Hochevar a day and a half extra to get ready for Friday. Sanchez previously threw 70 pitches in 2.2 innings last Saturday against the Indians. He feels good, feels strong and wants to throw.

Moose at the Hot Corner

Mike Moustakas has made several key plays at third base early in the season and a reporter asked if he is better than advertised at third. Yost said “yes, most definitely” noting that he has put in a lot of hours of hard work on his defense. Ned stated that he has been fantastic over at third. He puts in early work at the stadium and on the road.