Matt Harrison throws inning in Texas 'B' game

SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) Texas Rangers pitcher Matt Harrison made his first spring training game appearance, throwing one inning in a ''B'' game against the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday.

Harrison threw six strikes among 11 pitches to four batters. He allowed one hit, a single up the middle by Mike Moustakas.

He has been slowed this spring training by a back problem. He received a nerve-block injection on the right side of his neck on Feb. 24, but was cleared for his back issue.

Harrison won 18 games and was an All-Star in 2012, then got a $55 million, five-year contract. He had never had any back issues before last spring training, and still made his first two scheduled starts. After going 0-2 with an 8.44 ERA, Harrison got two epidural injections and a second opinion before two operations in a matter of weeks.