Walters signs Minor League contract with Royals

KANSAS CITY -- The Royals have signed right-handed starting pitcher P.J. Walters to a Minor League contract, but he'll get a look as the club sorts through its rotation candidates in Spring Training.

"We think he's a guy who's going to come in and pitch for a spot and make things interesting in Major League camp," assistant general manager J.J. Picollo said. "He's got Major League experience, so we thought he'd be a real good fit for us."

Walters had a 2-5 record and a 5.95 ERA in eight starts last season for the Twins. Two of his losses were to the Royals. For Triple-A Rochester, he went 7-5 with a 4.18 ERA in 19 starts.

He's also pitched for the Cardinals and the Blue Jays, with a 6-10 record and 6.28 ERA in 40 games over five years.