SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Royals on Saturday released outfielder Michael Saunders and right-hander Ricky Nolasco.
Both players were non-roster invites and were long shots to make the 25-man roster.
Saunders, who was signed after the Pirates released him earlier this month, was an All-Star with Toronto in 2016. He hit .275 in 16 Cactus League games with zero home runs and three doubles.
Saunders, 31, rejected an assignment to Triple-A Omaha, thus prompting his release.
Nolasco, 35, gave up eight runs on Friday in 2 2/3 innings against the Dodgers, and had a 19.64 ERA in two games this spring.