Mike

MacDougal

He pitched a scoreless ninth inning, striking out two Devil Rays with an inconsistent mid-90’s fastball and a sharp curve. MacDougal could still be in the team’s bullpen plans for next season.

That’s a far cry from the 100 MPH heater he had last season. MacDougal feels he will regain his velocity once he gets in a solid pitching routine and resumes lifting weights. The Royals sure hope he is right.

He’ll pitch in a setup role.

Pena thinks D.J. Carrasco could step in and be a fine closer, but he has no one to take Carrasco’s setup role. As a result, things will stay as they are.

MacDougal has been weak for quite some time and probably won’t get back on the mound until next week. There’s a slight chance that he won’t be ready for the start of the season, leaving Curtis Leskanic as the Royals’ closer.

MacDougal threw for just five minutes, so he’s probably still several days away from returning to game action. Although he’s likely to begin the season on the active roster, manager Tony Pena might be nervous about using him in save situations right away.

MacDougal never pitched more than one inning last season in 68 appearances. The All-Star reliever is the favorite to close games for the Royals next season, but he’s no lock, especially if Jeremy Affeldt continues to have blister problems and has to be returned to the bullpen. Pena could go with a committee that would also include Curtis Leskanic.

MacDougal worked 1 2/3 scoreless innings Friday morning in extended spring training. It was his second strong outing in three days. He opened the season on the DL because of a weakened physical condition caused by a stomach virus.

MacDougal’s weight and strenght, sapped by a preseason virus, have stabilized. Manager Tony Pena said he will step back into the closer role upon returning, but first he’ll make 3-4 appearances for Wichita.

MacDougal pitched a scoreless inning of mop-up duty yesterday. He told Curtis Leskanic that his velocity is up to 95-96 mph.