Royals sign left-handed reliever Jose Mijares to a one-year contract

KANSAS CITY, MO (December 21, 2011) — The Kansas City Royals announced today that the club has signed left-handed relief pitcher Jose Mijares to a one-year Major League contract for 2012.  Consistent with club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.  With the signing of the Mijares, the Royals’ 40-man roster stands at 40.

“We expect Jose to be a solid addition from the left side that further strengthens our bullpen,” Royals GM Dayton Moore said.  “He has been especially good against left-handed hitters in his career and will give Ned more options to match up late in the game.”

The 27-year-old Mijares (me-HAH-ress) has posted a 3-6 record with a 3.16 ERA in 186 relief appearances for the Minnesota Twins since making his debut in 2008.  Last season, the 6-foot, 230-pounder went 0-2 with a 4.59 ERA in 58 contests, all in relief.  In his career, Mijares has held left-handed batters to a .212 average, allowing just five home runs in 287 plate appearances.  Born and raised in Caracas, Venezuela, Mijares is currently 3-0 with a 1.29 ERA (0 BB, 7 SO) in eight relief outings for Tigres de Aragua in the Venezuelan Winter League.

For additional information, members of the media may contact the Royals Media Relations Department at (816) 921-8000.