Colorado's Luis Gonzalez gets plunked by a pitch from Kansas City pitcher Denny Bautista during the second inning of the Royals' 9-3 victory. The Royals won Tuesday in Surprise, Ariz.

Surprise, Ariz. ? Left-hander J.P. Howell, trying to earn a spot in Kansas City’s rotation, gave up one hit and struck out four in three scoreless innings in the Royals’ 9-3 victory over the Colorado Rockies on Tuesday.

Kansas City has two openings in its rotation after projected starter Mark Redman had knee surgery Monday and Zack Greinke left camp Feb. 26 for personal reasons.

Howell, the 31st player selected in the 2004 draft, went 3-5 with a 6.19 earned-run average in 15 starts with the Royals last season.

Kansas City trailed 3-1 after seven innings, but scored eight in the eighth off Rockies relievers Mike Esposito and Judd Songster. Esteban German hit a three-run homer, and Chad Allen and Paul Phillips both had two-run shots in the inning.

Miguel Asencio, who had elbow surgery in 2004 and missed the season, was impressive in his Rockies’ debut, also striking out four in three scoreless innings.

“Asencio was a bright spot,” Rockies manager Clint Hurdle said. “We just had a nightmare in the eighth.”

Rockies shortstop Clint Barmes went 2-for-3 with two doubles.

Eli Marrero, who was 6-for-6 in his first three games, went 0-for-3.

Rookie right-hander Brian Bass, the third of four Royals pitchers, picked up the victory, allowing one run on three hits and two walks in two innings.