Royals left-hander Maroth sent to minors after awful outing

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Kansas City Royals left-hander Mike Maroth was assigned to the minor league camp after giving up five runs and six hits in three innings in an 8-5 loss to the Texas Rangers on Thursday.

Maroth, who was a non-roster invite, allowed back-to-back home runs to Hank Blalock and Milton Bradley. He was 2-1 with a 9.00 ERA in four spring training games. He didn't appear in a game until March 13 because of shoulder tightness.

The Royals also assigned outfielder Damon Hollins, who hit .340 in 23 games to minor league camp. Hollins played last year in Japan and has played in the majors with Atlanta, Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay.

Maroth and Hollins will open the season with the Royals' Triple-A Omaha affiliate in the Pacific Coast League.

Right-hander Luke Hudson will begin the season on the disabled list. Hudson, who had shoulder surgery in June, has not appeared in a spring training game. He will remain in Arizona and work with rehab coordinator Dale Gilbert.

"He's about another five to six days away from picking up a ball again," Royals manager Trey Hillman said.

The Royals took 34 players for a two-game series at Milwaukee, where they will announce their final roster cuts before opening the season at Detroit on Monday.

Also, Hideo Nomo, who is trying to make a comeback at 39, will make the trip with the Royals to Milwaukee.

Nomo is competing for the final spot in the Royals' bullpen, but is slowed by a groin strain which he injured while pitching against San Diego on Tuesday.