Ryan Madson signs minor league deal with Kansas City Royals

After sitting out the 2014 season, relief pitcher Ryan Madson is looking to get back into the big league scene this year – after inking a one-year, minor league deal with the Kansas City Royals, per Jerry Crasnick.

After breaking the Philadelphia Phillies’ roster in 2003, Madson spent nine years in the City of Brotherly Love, ultimately emerging as one of the best relief pitchers in the game. In 2011, the right-hander nailed down 32 saves, finishing 46 contests with a stellar 2.37 earned run average, 2.25 FIP and 1.154 WHIP. However, injuries derailed his career from there – and after a massive contract with the Phillies fell through, he joined the Cincinnati Reds on a smaller contract.

However, he never reached the hill – with injuries keeping him from appearing with both the Reds and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. After battling injuries all year, he decided to sit out last season. With the Royals’ bullpen already one of the most formidable in all of Major League Baseball, Madson is a buy-low option that only gives Kansas City further depth as the team seeks to defend its American League pennant.

During the course of his career (all of which was spent in Philadelphia) – Madson has pitched to a 3.59 earned run average; however, in his final three seasons with the Phillies, he posted marks of 3.26, 2.55 and 2.37 respectively.

With the seventh, eighth and ninth already accounted for in Kansas City with the likes of Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland, Madson will likely see a general relief role as he seeks to re-establish his value moving forward.