"Royals manager Trey Hillman confirmed Wednesday what many had been suspecting. Barring any unforeseen setbacks, pitcher Gil Meche will make his 2010 debut against Boston at 1:10 p.m. Sunday at Kauffman Stadium.

"He'll probably start Sunday," said Hillman, who expects Meche to throw between 90-95 pitches in the game.

Meche, whose recent bout with bursitis in his right shoulder landed him on the 15-day disabled list, threw five shutout innings against a collection of the Royals' minor-league players in Surprise, Ariz., on Tuesday. It was the latest in a series of encouraging pitching sessions for Meche, who indicated Wednesday that the shoulder feels fine.

"You always hear pitchers talking about repeating their delivery in spring training and not being worried about results," Meche said. "(On Tuesday), that was me. I was able to throw curveballs back-to-back, change-ups back-to-back, fastballs in and out at good velocity. It was a plus."

The Royals will have to make a roster move to create a spot for Meche, who will throw a 35- to 40-pitch bullpen session today, but they are not expected to do so until Sunday morning.

Callaspo starts

Alberto Callaspo, who has been recovering from a twinge in his right side on left-handed swings, made his first start of the season Wednesday at third base. Hillman elected to start veteran utility man Willie Bloomquist at third base in Monday's season opener, just to be sure Callaspo was fully healed. However, Hillman's concerns were alleviated before Wednesday's game.

"He's had three or four good days and then a day of rest from the left side (Monday), so we're comfortable with (starting him)," Hillman said."