Carlos Estévez threw a scoreless inning against the Reds on Thursday.

Carlos Estévez, returning from back tightness, threw live batting practice Tuesday and is set to make his spring debut Friday.

Carlos Estévez has been held out of games this spring because of tightness in his lower back.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro said he’s not going to go with a traditional closer at the beginning of the season, but that Carlos Estévez will have plenty of save opportunities.