Kansas City Royals

Raul Mondesi emerged as the winner of the four-man competition for the starting second base job in spring training, beating out Christian Colon, Cheslor

Cuthbert and Whit Merrifleld. Strong defense gave the edge to Mondesi, a 21-year-old switchhitter who batted .185/.231/.281 with two home runs and nine stolen bases in 47 games as a rookie last year. He became the first player in history to make his major league debut in the World Series in 2015 when he pinch-hit in the Royals’ victory against the New York Mets.

Shortstop is Mondesi’s natural position, and he is expected to move to the other side of the bag next year to replace Alcides

Escobar, who is eligible for free agency after this season.

Colon and Cuthbert made the opening-day roster. Merrifield was optioned to Class AAA Oma- ha (Papillion, Neb). Colon and Cuthbert are out of minor league options, and the Royals would have had to expose both to waivers if they tried to send them to the minor leagues. Merrifield has two options remaining.

uRight fielder Jorge Soler (strained muscle in side) could be activated April 9, the first day he is eligible, after starting the season on the disabled list.