Kris Medlen is inching closer in his comeback bid from his second Tommy John surgery.

The right-hander, who signed with the Kansas City Royals this offseason, will face live hitters in Arizona on Monday.

Since Spring Training ended, he has remained with the big league club and continued his throwing and bullpen schedules.

"I have really enjoyed staying here and getting to know my teammates a little more," Medlen said. "I was really happy they did it that way. It's been great with all the winning, too.

"But now it's time to get going. I'm pumped. I'm going to face live hitters and I don't think I'll be able to get the smile off my face. Even if I give up a homer, I might smile. ... Just a little, though."