Surprise, Ariz. ? Despite an impressive campaign last season, Joe Nelson said he knows he’s not assured of a spot in this year’s Kansas City Royals bullpen.

Nelson, who converted nine of 10 save opportunities and held opponents to a .226 batting average in 43 relief appearances last season, was one of the early arrivals in this year’s Royals camp.

“I’m taking absolutely nothing for granted,” the 32-year-old right-hander said Thursday.