Royals sign veteran pitcher Kip Wells

CLEVELAND | The Royals are hoping veteran right-hander Kip Wells can be their latest successful bullpen reclamation project.

Wells agreed today to a one-year contract, and plans call for him to join the club in time for tonight’s series opener against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. The Royals cleared space for Wells by optioning reliever Josh Newman to Class AAA Omaha.

“(Wells) has got a good arm, and he’s had some success in the bullpen,” general manager Dayton Moore said. “We’ll get him in here with (pitching coach) Bob McClure and see what we can do.”

That approach worked earlier this season with two other castoffs: Horacio Ramirez and Robinson Tejeda.

Ramirez compiled a compiled a 2.59 ERA in 15 games before an Aug. 9 trade sent him to the White Sox for minor-league outfielder Paulo Orlando. Tejeda has a 2.42 ERA in 16 games since a June 24 waiver claim brought him from Texas.

Wells, 31, was designated for assignment last week by the Colorado Rockies after going 1-2 with a 5.27 ERA in 15 appearances. He missed 10 weeks earlier this season because of a blood clot in his right hand.

Newman, 26, allowed three runs and eight hits in six innings over three appearances since his Aug. 10 recall from Omaha.

Current plans call for Wells to pitch as a reliever, but he spent most of his 10-year career as a starter and could become an option to join the rotation. He is 65-93 with a 4.64 ERA in 246 career games with five teams.

Wells represents a low-cost risk because he is already receiving $3.1 million in guaranteed salary from Colorado. The Royals will pay only a pro-rated share of the major-league minimum _ about $90,000.

The signing bolsters a beleaguered bullpen. Ron Mahay and Ramon Ramirez are battling injuries. Jimmy Gobble remains on the disabled list.

Wells started for the Rockies on Opening Day before shifting primarily to the bullpen and going 1-1 with a 3.32 ERA in 13 relief appearances. He also compiled a 2.31 ERA last season for the Cardinals in eight relief appearances after losing his job as a starter.

To reach Bob Dutton, Royals reporter for The Star, call 816-234-4352 or send e-mail to bdutton@kcstar.com.