Jerry Crasnick of ESPN.com reports that the Royals have agreed to terms on a minor league contract with free agent reliever Ryan Madson. The deal comes with an invitation to major league spring training, where the veteran right-hander will try to beat the odds and claim a spot in Kansas City’s Opening Day bullpen.
Madson hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2011 due to elbow issues. He needed Tommy John surgery in the spring of 2012, after signing a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Reds, and then experienced more arm issues in 2013 after inking a one-year, $3.5 million deal with the Angels. He sat out the entire 2014 season.
Madson, now 34 years old, registered an excellent 2.45 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and 126/29 K/BB ratio in 113 2/3 innings for the Phillies between 2010-2011. He saved 32 games as Philly’s closer during the 2011 season.