The Royals on Saturday signed veteran starting pitcher Kyle Lohse to a minor-league contract.
Lohse, 39, last pitched in the major leagues with the Texas Rangers in 2016. Shortly after posting a 12.54 ERA in 9 1/3 innings that spanned two starts, he was designated for assignment.
Lohse would earn $800,000 if he makes the Royals' major-league roster and up to an additional $700,000 in performance bonuses.
In his career-best season, Lohse started 33 games, logged 211 innings, struck out 143 batters and recorded a 2.86 ERA for the Cardinals in 2012. He placed seventh in voting for the National League Cy Young Award, which that year went to Mets starter R.