Vogt Homers Twice In Athletics' Split-Squad Win Over Royals
MESA, Ariz. (AP) -- Stephen Vogt hit a pair of home runs and drove in four and the Oakland Athletics beat a Kansas City Royals split squad 6-4 on Monday.
Vogt, who underwent elbow surgery about six weeks ago, had been taking batting practice for a week and has been used exclusively as a designated hitter.
"I haven't been feeling great so to have a day like that lets me trust the elbow," Vogt said. "It was good to get extended and take a full swing and not feel any pain."
Mike Moustakas hit a two-run shot for the Royals, who were limited to four hits by Jesse Hahn, Ryan Madson and five other relievers.
"Except for the one mistake to Moustakas he looked outstanding," Vogt said of Hahn, making his first appearance of the spring. "I had the pleasure of facing him a few days ago and he didn't help my confidence."
Josh Reddick added two hits and a RBI and Jed Lowrie added a pair of hits for the A's.
STARTING TIME
Royals: Top Royals prospect Kyle Zimmer went three innings in his second start of the spring. The right-hander had thrown two innings in his first appearance.
"I worked on throwing more changeups and I was just missing off the plate and had to come back with fastballs," Zimmer said. "That's when I got into some trouble. But I got to pitch in situations."
After making 17 relief appearances (2-0, 1.39) at the Single-A and Double-A level last year, Zimmer returned to the starting rotation for his final seven appearances (1-5, 3.41), putting him back on the road to the majors.
"I just want to pitch well every time out," he said. "There's definitely some rust and I want to get my arm back in shape. That said, there is still stuff to work on in the spring."
Athletics: Hahn pitched in a game for the first time since last July 1. An elbow injury shortened his season.
"It felt like three years ago even though I know it was only nine months," Hahn said. "It was an awesome feeling getting out there. I felt so good I was letting it go and was rushing it to the plate. All I cared about was getting out there completely healthy."
The only hit he allowed was Moustakas' homer.
"That was a slidestep change," Hahn said. "I threw a fastball on the previous pitch and noticed he was a little late on it. I think I ran into his timing."
TRAINER'S ROOM
Athletics: RHP Jarrod Parker (Tommy John surgery) is expected to throw on Thursday. ... INF Mark Canha (sore back) took batting practice and could get some at bats in games by the end of the week. ... RHP Henderson Alvarez (shoulder) will throw a bullpen session on Tuesday.
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