Moustakas returns to Royals lineup, embraces Hosmer
PEORIA, Ariz. (AP) Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer embraced, just like they did as Kansas city teammates.
Moustakas made his spring training debut after returning to the Royals and hit a two-run single off Chris Young in a 12-4 win over San Diego on Friday.
Hosmer, who left to sign with San Diego, hit a two-run homer off Kelvim Herrera.
Hosmer dropped his equipment bag by the first base line and trotted to center field to give his friend a bear hug before the game.
''It's just weird seeing him over there,'' Moustakas said. ''For 12 years I've seen him on this side. Navy blue does look good on him though. He's one of my best friends. We text almost every single day. I love him to death.''
Young also was on the Royals' 2015 championship team.
''He got 0-2 on me and kept smiling,'' Hosmer said. ''I had a pretty good idea a heater was coming.''
Moustakas agreed to a $6.5 million, one-year contract after failing to get a multi-year deal to his liking. Hosmer reached a $144 million, eight-year agreement.
''It was definitely a little awkward, but it's baseball,'' Moustakas said. ''It's how the business is. We're all excited for him. We're all happy that he got what he got.''
Moustakas said he needs 25 to 30 at-bats to get his timing before opening day on March 29.
''I don't feel I'm too far away,'' he said.
Moustakas was a designated hitter and is scheduled to start at third base on Saturday against Texas.
''His timing is not that far off and his swings looked good to me,'' Royals manager Ned Yost said. ''He looked great. I just need to get him to get his at-bats and get his work in.''
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