THE GAME: Miguel Sanó, who is fighting to return to the major leagues for the first time since 2022, hit his third home run of the spring, but the Angels lost to the Kansas City Royals, 3-2, on Wednesday in Surprise, Ariz.
PITCHING REPORT: Left-hander Reid Detmers gave up a homer to the first batter of the first inning, but then he did not allow another run through his four innings. Detmers walked two and struck out five. Detmers has allowed four earned runs in 8⅔ innings this spring. Manager Ron Washington said Detmers was “awesome.” … Right-hander Ben Joyce pitched a perfect inning, with one strikeout. … Right-hander Kelvin Caceres, who is in the running for the final spot in the bullpen, gave up a run on a hit and a walk. He had not allowed a run in his first five games. … Right-hander Carlos Estévez pitched a perfect inning.
HITTING REPORT: Miguel Sanó hit a homer to center field, tying him for the team lead. He also hit a line drive off the top of the right field fence, but the ball was hit so hard he was held to a single. “He’s starting to get his timing a little better,” Washington said. “The good thing is he’s using the whole field. That right fielder tried to make a move and the ball was over his head right away,” Washington said. Sanó also stole a base. He has only five stolen bases in 694 big league games. Sanó is 6 for 30 (.200) with four walks and an .814 OPS this spring. “I feel good,” Sanó said. “I’m healthy. I’ve been working every day in the cage with the hitting coaches and (guest instructor Vladimir Guerrero).” Sanó is competing with infielders Livan Soto and Ehire Adrianza for the final position player spot on the Opening Day roster. … Nolan Schanuel had two singles, improving to 10 for 35 (.286) this spring. … The Angels scored a run in the ninth and had the potential tying run at third when the game ended.
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DEFENSE REPORT: Catcher Logan O’Hoppe picked a runner off first to end the fourth inning. … Right fielder Nelson Rada made a diving catch of a line drive in front of him. “When that ball was hit I thought for sure it was a double,” Washington said. “That’s a big league play.”
UP NEXT: Angels (LHP Tyler Anderson) at White Sox (RHP Michael Soroka) at Camelback Ranch, Glendale, Ariz., Thursday, 1:05 p.m. PT, Bally Sports West, 830 AM