Surprise, Ariz. ? Rick DeHart could be closing in on a job with Kansas City.

The left-hander, out of the major leagues since he played for Montreal in 1999, retired all four left-handed hitters he faced Thursday in the Royals’ 8-3 loss to San Francisco.

“I was very impressed,” Royals manager Tony Pena said. “He’s some movement on his fastball with a little tail to left-handed hitters. We just need to see more of this guy.”

DeHart, who missed the 2000 season after elbow surgery, has allowed two hits in 41/3 scoreless innings this spring.

If the Royals carry only one left-handed reliever, DeHart would be competing with Scott Mullen.

Pedro Feliz hit a three-run homer in the third off loser Jeremy Affeldt, who allowed five runs, eight hits and three walks in four innings. Winner Ryan Jensen gave up two runs and eight hits in five innings.

Kansas City’s Michael Tucker, who homered twice Wednesday, homered leading off the second.