Royals sign veteran hurler Tomko to Minors deal

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- Never too old. That's Brett Tomko's hope after the 40-year-old right-hander signed a Minor League contract with the Royals on Thursday.

Tomko has not pitched in the Major Leagues since 2011, when he was with the Rangers. Last year, he pitched for the York Revolution in the independent Atlantic League, going 4-8 with a 4.98 ERA in 19 starts.

Over a 14-year big league career, Tomko compiled a 100-103 record in 397 games (266 starts) with a 4.65 ERA for 10 teams.

In addition to the Rangers, he's pitched for the Reds, Mariners, Padres, Cardinals, Giants, Dodgers, Royals, Yankees and Athletics. He was with the Royals for part of the 2008 season, going 2-7 record with a 6.97 ERA before being released in June. He was subsequently signed by the Padres.

Tomko, who was signed on the basis of a tryout at the Royals' complex, will report to the Minor Leagues. He has not been invited to the Major League camp.