Surprise, Ariz. ? The Kansas City Royals received some encouraging signs on two fronts Wednesday in a 6-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox.

Mike Sweeney, who missed the previous five games because of soreness in his right oblique, returned to the lineup and went 1-for-4 with a double and struck out.

“I feel great,” said Sweeney, a four-time All-Star. “I’ve never felt better. I’m hoping to keep this up for a full season, all the way through October.”

Sweeney has missed considerable time the past two seasons because of back injuries, but said the soreness in his side was not related.

Zack Greinke, 0-1 with a 19.64 earned-run average in his first two outings, pitched 32/3 shutout innings.

He allowed just a single to Jermaine Dye.

Greinke walked none, hit a batter and struck out three to earn the victory.

“Today was the first time I’ve gone out and pitched like in a regular-season game,” said Greinke, the Royals’ first pick in the 2002 draft.

After the game, the Royals optioned shortstop Andres Blanco to Triple-A Omaha.