'More confident' Starling eyes roster spot

KANSAS CITY -- This was always going to be a crucial year for Royals outfielder Bubba Starling.

And abbreviated season or not, it still is.

Starling, who is out of Minor League options, continues to make a strong bid for a spot on the 30-man roster, so much so that he is trending toward virtual lock status.

Starling, 27, impressed manager Mike Matheny in Spring Training, belting three home runs and three doubles while posting a 1.208 OPS.

And Starling has picked up where he left off, highlighted by a grand slam on Friday night against right-hander Stephen Woods Jr. in a scrimmage.

“The bat path looks really good,” Matheny said. “The top hand is strong, but not so strong that he is just rolling over. He’s kind of finding that sweet middle ground.

“He’s been working hard on situational hitting, too, and trying to put the ball in play with runners in scoring position. And to find a way to utilize his speed, like laying down a bunt for a hit.”

Back in spring, it was thought that Starling was in direct competition with Brett Phillips, another gifted defensive outfielder who is out of options. But that was when the Opening Day roster was going to be set at 26. Now it’s at 30, leaving the possibility open that both Starling and Phillips could fit.

At any rate, Starling certainly has edged ahead of Phillips offensively. Starling credits retooling his swing in the offseason, and he continued to work on those adjustments during the MLB pause.

“I had a lot of time to hit with Jeremy Jones [of the Building Champions baseball academy],” Starling said, “and continue what I was doing with [Royals coaches John Mabry] and Terry Bradshaw. Obviously the first couple of [scrimmages], you’re just trying to get your timing back, but I feel pretty good right now.

“Definitely trying to get short to the ball. Trying to use my hands more and get quicker. Obviously, I’m a pull hitter, but I’m just trying to barrel balls -- that’s what I like, that’s what I’m trying to do.”

Starling’s grand slam off Woods was another example of his growing confidence toward being able to pounce on mistakes. That long home run, which bounced off the Royals Hall of Fame building, came on a waist-high fastball. Woods had already walked six hitters and with the bases loaded, had to challenge Starling.

“He walked six guys and he still had to get one over the plate there,” Starling said. “I knew he had to come to me. It was a long inning for him, and I just got a good pitch.

“I think I’m just getting more confident with doing something with pitches I can hit. Last year, there were pitches to hit but not necessarily ones I can handle. This year I’m better able to handle those.”