Hours before the Royals were set to employ their 11th starting pitcher of the season, an original member of the rotation took another step in his rehab.
Right-hander Ian Kennedy threw 25 pitches in a simulated game with hitters on Thursday. He has been on the disabled list since July 11 with a left oblique strain.
“I felt real good,” he said. “It’s nice to make that next step instead of throwing (strictly) out of the bullpen. Your adrenaline’s gonna kick up when you start facing hitters. Just remind yourself it’s just a step; stay nice and easy all the way through it.