Kyle Davies optioned, Tejeda activated

The big news of the day was a roster move, with Kyle Davies going to Triple-A Omaha and Robinson Tejeda returning from right rotator cuff tendinitis. 

Hillman said that Davies would join the O-Royals in Memphis, where they start a series on Tuesday.  Tejeda is expected to be at the ballpark and available for today’s game.

Hillman said that Davies needs to command the ball better as he is centering pitches in dangerous locations.  Fatigue is not a factor in Hillman’s mind.  He believes that Davies will return strong as most guys with three “plus” pitches figure it out.

He noted that Tejeda gives the Royals another option in the bullpen and said that everything looks fine with his health.

As for the rotation, the Royals do not need a fifth starter until next Saturday in Pittsburgh.  Hillman believes that the Royals have a few options.  Reporters asked about Sidney Ponson, who is recovering from a right elbow strain, and Bruce Chen, who pitched a complete-game shutout last night at Albuquerque.  Ponson is scheduled to start tomorrow.  He will make 40-45 pitches and the goal is for him to build his pitch count.  Hillman indicated that both had been mentioned but stressed that the decision would be made a few days before the game in Pittsburgh.

Position players

Willie Bloomquist has the day off today.  Hillman wanted to give him a day off so he does not become overextended.

Mike Aviles (right forearm strain) will not have any activity for the next four days.

Alex Gordon has been hitting on the field and running out of the batter’s box to first base.  He is doing regular agility drills and taking ground balls.

John Buck is doing some light blocking drills and easy catching.  He also caught some bullpen sessions today.

I-70 series!

Royals manager Trey Hillman is oh so excited about the upcoming cross-state battle with the St. Louis Cardinals.  “I love when teams come to the “New” Kauffman Stadium for the first time, everyone I have talked to has had nothing but great things to say about it,” said Hillman.  “Obviously it’s exciting for the fans, but to let everyone know, it’s exciting for the players and us coaches also.”  Hillman went on to say that weekends like this can really catapult a team in the right direction, you just need to take advantage of it and play solid baseball.

What do you do with this guy?

Royals manager Trey Hillman was asked about how he is going to approach pitching to the Cardinals first basemen, Albert Pujols.  “Well, it’s this simple, you either pitch smart to Albert Pujols, or you don’t pitch to him at all,” said Hillman.  “He quite possibly could be the best right handed hitter I have ever seen, but I will pitch to him, to an extent,” says Hillman. 

Thanks for the Invite, Joe!

Tampa Bay
Rays manager Joe Maddon selected Royals
manager Trey Hillman to be on his
All-Star coaching staff for the All-Star game commencing in mid July. “It’s a
great honor, I am truly very appreciative to Joe for selecting me to be a part
of such a very special weekend,” Hillman said. 
Trey stated, “You don’t take stuff like this for granted, I am going to
enjoy every minute of this experience, opportunities don’t come around like
this that often.” He admitted he was quite surprised by the selection seeing as
how the two do not have a whole lot of shared experiences together.        

Injury Report

Robinson Tejeda has had no symptoms or irritation
in his rehab stint, and seems to be throwing the ball well without
discomfort.  Mike Aviles is still resting and monitoring his injured elbow and
within the next week there should be more of a consensus on his
availability.  John Buck is on a rigorously monitored throwing program that will
not go beyond light “backyard catch”.  Sidney Ponson pitched 2.0 scoreless innings for Omaha today in a 4-3 win over New Orleans.  Doug Waechter is currently
participating in multiple bullpen sessions down in Arizona. 
Alex Gordon is progressing nicely
with his rehab regimen, becoming more and more capable of being as mobile as he
needs to be.  He is still lacking in
lateral movement and encouraged to not try and do too much with regards to his
mobility.  Light ground ball workouts,
hitting the weight room, and some casual jogging make-up his daily workout
schedule.