Phoenix ? Early in training camp, Oakland manager Bob Geren tabbed Dana Eveland as the front-runner to join the Athletics’ starting rotation.

Eveland’s five shutout innings in the A’s 6-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Monday likely sealed his spot.

Geren announced afterward that Eveland will start the first exhibition game in Tokyo, with Justin Duchscherer starting the other.

“I still don’t want to get my hopes up,” Eveland said. “I’ve been let down so many times before that I try not to do that.”

Eveland has already been told he is going to Japan with the rest of the team. With Chad Gaudin, who made his spring debut with two perfect innings, a little behind schedule, the left-hander got one of the starts there.

“I’m excited about the trip and excited that I pitched well enough to go to Japan,” said Eveland, who came to the A’s from the Arizona Diamondbacks in a trade for Dan Haren. “I like the way I’m throwing the ball. It’s the best I felt all spring. Take the two walks away and that’s one of my better outings.”

Eveland gave up three hits, walked two and struck out four against the Royals before giving way to Gaudin, who is recovering from hip and foot surgery.

Gaudin, who struck out one, figures to be the A’s fourth starter and is slated for his first start on April 12 when the A’s travel to Cleveland.

“It went well; I was happy with my performance and how everything went,” Gaudin said. “It was what I expected. I felt good enough, but my body and my arm are at a different stage. I’m still getting my pitch count up.”

Gaudin will remain in Arizona to continue his program.

Donnie Murphy doubled and drove in two runs for the A’s, while Mark Ellis had two hits, including a double.

Joey Gathright and Tony Pena each had two hits for the Royals.