Ahmed stays hot in D-backs' costly victory over Royals
PHOENIX -- Nick Ahmed had two singles and a home run in the Diamondbacks' 7-4 exhibition victory over the Kansas City Royals on Friday night, during which All-Star center fielder A.J. Pollock re-injured his right elbow.
Kendrys Morales homered and Alcides Escobar tripled for the reigning World Series champion Royals, who play a pair of exhibitions against Arizona before opening their season at home against the New York Mets on Sunday night.
Alcides Escobar hit the first pitch from Rubby De La Rosa into deep left center for a triple in the first, then scored on Mike Moustaskas' ground out. Eric Hosmer led off the second with a home run to center on a 2-0 pitch from De La Rosa.
The Royals regulars are to return home on Saturday with minor leaguers filling the lineup for the exhibition game against Arizona.
Royals: Right-hander Chris Young was only supposed to throw about 40 pitches so his outing went fine, Kansas City manager Ned Yost said.
Diamondbacks: Righy Rubby De La Rosa settled down after the start and went five innings, allowing three runs on six hits.
Hale said he will rotate players in the middle infield positions after all the candidates had good springs. On Friday night, he said that Jean Segura -- exclusively a shortstop in his time in Milwaukee -- will play more at second than at short this season, while Ahmed would exclusively be at shortstop. Chris Owings can play both positions as well as third base.
Royals: Manager Ned Yost said that, due to the team's early off days, RHP Ian Kennedy's first start could be pushed back to next Saturday as a precaution, without missing a turn, after Kennedy left his final spring start Wednesday with tightness in his left hamstring.
Diamondbacks: Hale said right-handed reliever Josh Collmenter (right shoulder tightness) would start the season on the disabled list.
Royals: They play their final preseason game Saturday, facing the Diamondbacks in Phoenix. RHP Yordano Ventura starts for Kansas City. The Royals open their regular season at home against the New York Mets on Sunday night.
Diamondbacks: LHP Robbie Ray starts for Arizona in the Diamondbacks' preseason finale. Arizona opens the regular season at home Monday night against Colorado.
