Kansas City Royals sign southpaw pitcher Jake Brentz, 28, to two-year contract

The Kansas City Royals have signed left-handed pitcher Jake Brentz to a two-year contract, per a Thursday evening news release.

Brentz, 28, made the Royals’ opening day roster last year for the second straight season but pitched in just eight games. He went on Major League Baseball’s injured list last April 30 and had season-ending elbow surgery shortly thereafter.

As a rookie in 2021, Brentz went 5-2 with two saves, a 3.66 ERA (26 earned runs in 64 innings) and led the Royals with 72 appearances.

Per club policy, financial terms of the contract with Brentz were not disclosed.

The Royals now have 40 players on their major-league reserve list.