KANSAS CITY -- The last time Royals right-hander Peter Moylan pitched in the World Baseball Classic it triggered a life-changing experience for him.
In 2006, Moylan seemingly didn't pitch that well in the Classic for Australia -- he walked five and gave up one hit and one run in two innings. But Moylan did strike out four and his performance was intriguing enough for the Braves to offer a tryout.
Moylan, who had washed out in the Twins organization 10 years earlier, signed with the Braves and made his Major League debut later that same year. He subsequently pitched the next seven seasons for the Braves, then one season with the Dodgers and returned to the Braves last season.
Moylan, now 37, is back in the Classic pitching for Australia. The qualifying round will begin on Thursday with a doubleheader -- South Africa will play New Zealand, and the Philippines will face Australia.
Coincidentally, Royals general manager Dayton Moore, who signed Moylan to a Minor League contract last month, was in the Braves' baseball operations department the last time Moylan pitched in the Classic. A few months after Moylan signed with the Braves in 2006, Moore took the GM job with Kansas City.
"Our scouts back then thought he threw really well at the [World Baseball Classic]," Moore said. "They liked his sidearm delivery, very tough angle for hitters. He had good stuff. It really turned out to be a successful signing. And we're glad to have him back again here."
Moylan pitched in 22 games for the Braves last season, posting a 3.48 ERA. He is a non-roster Spring Training invitee, and is expected to compete for a bullpen job with the Royals.