http://www.kansascity.com/sports/mlb/kansas-city-royals/article68648572.html Royals pitcher Chien-Ming Wang in position for roster spot after latest cuts BY RUSTIN DODD [email protected] SURPRISE, ARIZ. Five days before opening day, Chien-Ming Wang appears one step closer to a stunning return to the big leagues. The Royals on Monday announced the release of left-handed pitcher Brian Duensing, right-hander Peter Moylan and infielder Clint Barmes. All three players were signed to minor-league contracts. The latest round of cuts leaves Wang, a former Yankees ace, as the prohibitive favorite to land the final spot in the Royals’ bullpen. Wang, who will turn 36 on Thursday, hasn’t pitched in the big leagues since 2013. As of last summer, he was toiling in an independent league. When he arrived at camp in mid-February, he seemed like a flier amongst a deep pool of bullpen options. He has overcome slim odds and become a Cactus League revelation. He has posted a 2.08 ERA in 13 innings. His sinker has hit 95 mph after topping out in the high 80s last year. He could earn a spot as a reliever while offering depth as a spot starter. For now, Wang’s spot is not assured. The Royals have three off days during the season’s first week, and club officials have discussed breaking camp with 11 pitchers. But as camp winds down in Arizona, Wang appears ticketed for duty in Kansas City at some point. As of Monday, the composition of the Royals’ bullpen was nearly complete. It begins with four roster locks — Wade Davis, Joakim Soria, Kelvin Herrera and Luke Hochevar — while right-hander Dillon Gee appears poised to win a spot as a long man. Royals manager Ned Yost said Sunday that he planned to use left-hander Danny Duffy in middle relief. If the Royals begin the season with 12 pitchers, that leaves one vacant spot. Before this week, Duensing, 33, remained in position for a look. In his first year with the Royals he offered a strong impression, posting a 2.61 ERA with 10 strikeouts in 10 1/3 innings this spring. After seven seasons in Minnesota, he offered experience and guile from the left side. On Monday morning, Duensing confirmed that he would exercise an opt-out in his minor-league deal. The Royals had a short window to add him to the 40-man roster or release him. Duensing appeared resigned to his fate. As the clubhouse opened Monday, he handed out hugs to third baseman Mike Moustakas and catcher Drew Butera. The Royals, in effect, chose Wang over Duensing. Duensing, a native of Omaha, Neb., could re-sign with the Royals and begin the season in his hometown if he accepted an assignment to Class AAA. If Wang makes the opening day roster, the Royals must add him to the 40-man roster. For now, the club has one open spot after left-hander Tim Collins sustained a season-ending elbow injury. Merrifield fighting for roster spot If the Royals elect to carry 12 pitchers, the battle for the final bench spot could come down to a two-man competition: Utility man Whit Merrifield or pinch-running specialist Terrance Gore. Merrifield finished 3 for 4 with a homer and a double in Monday’s 11-3 victory over the Padres in Surprise. He is batting .395 this spring. He is also not a member of the 40-man roster, meaning his addition would require a corresponding roster move. Gore, meanwhile, is a member of the 40-man roster. Yost said Saturday that club officials had discussed carrying Gore as a pinch-runner until Jarrod Dyson returns from an oblique injury. Outfielder Travis Snider, a non-roster invitee, also remains in camp. Roster could be set by Friday Yost said the team’s 25-man roster could be set by Friday, two days before the club opens the season against the New York Mets at 7:37 p.m. Sunday at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals will conclude spring training with a two-game set against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field on Friday and Saturday. Yost confirmed Monday that most of the Royals’ 25-man roster will fly back to Kansas City on Saturday morning, skipping the final game in Phoenix. The club will field a roster filled with minor-leaguers on Saturday. Yost will remain in Arizona for the game. One regular who will play Saturday is right-hander Yordano Ventura, who will start on three days’ rest as he completes his final tuneup before the regular season. Ventura is slated to start Tuesday night against the Giants at Surprise Stadium. He will make his regular-season debut in the third game, facing off against the Minnesota Twins on April 8 at Kauffman Stadium. 翻譯大意: 最後一波下放之後，皇家隊投手王建民留在選手名單裡, 開幕前五天， 王建民看起來離回到大聯盟更進一步了。 皇家隊星期一宣布釋出左投手Brian Duensing, 右投手 Peter Moylan以及內野手Clint Barmes, 這三位選手都是簽小聯盟約。 最後一波下放之後， 洋基隊的前王牌在多數人贊同下得到牛棚的最後一個位子。 --

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