Surprise, Ariz. ? Kevin Appier did not pitch his way onto the Kansas City Royals’ staff with his best outing so far this spring, but he did buy himself some more time in spring training.

Appier threw 3 2/3 scoreless innings and allowed just two hits Saturday in a no-decision start against the Chicago White Sox. Appier, who had been just average in his first three starts, needed a good performance to keep alive his slim hopes of making the Royals staff.

General manager Allard Baird and manager Tony Pena met with Appier on Sunday to discuss his chances.

“Out of respect for Kevin, we wanted to let him know ahead of time where he’s at,” Baird said. “Right now, we do have some younger guys ahead of him.”

Baird also promised to help Appier catch on with another club if he didn’t stay with the Royals.

“He will continue to be with our club and pitch. He will continue to compete (for a job). Right now, he’s behind guys that we project making the ball club, but things change,” Appier said.

Appier, 37, is the oldest player in the Royals’ camp. Although he is the Royals’ all-time strikeout leader and has 169 big-league victories, he is signed to a minor-league contract. Denny Bautista probably would get the final slot in the Royals’ rotation if spring training ended today.

“I felt a lot better, much, much better,” Appier said of his 60-pitch performance against the White Sox. “It felt good, and it looked good, but I’m biased.”