Royals bring back left-hander Horacio Ramirez

The Royals, wanting a left-handed starter for their rotation, reached out for a familiar face, Horacio Ramirez.

General manager Dayton Moore said Wednesday that the Royals had reached an agreement on a one-year contract with Ramirez, who was with them for a month and a half last season.

Ramirez is considered a swing man who can start or relieve.

"We're going to give him a chance to come in and compete as a starter," Moore said.

The Royals had been facing the possibility of another season without a left-handed starter, a role Ramirez filled in the past with the Atlanta Braves and the Seattle Mariners.

"He really didn't pitch much last year. He's had health issues but he's a great makeup guy and he knows how to pitch. He's a great athlete and Mac (pitching coach Bob McClure) likes him a lot," Moore said.

Ramirez, who's had shoulder problems in the past, was released by the Mariners in Spring Training but signed a Minor League contract with the Royals on May 21. He pitched for Triple-A Omaha and was called up on June 22.

Ramirez made 15 relief appearances for the Royals, with a 2.59 ERA and a 1-1 record. Then, on Aug. 9, he was traded to the Chicago White Sox for Minor League outfielder Paulo Orlando.

But he had a rough time with the White Sox. They used Ramirez in 17 games and just 13 innings in which he was 0-3 with a 7.62 ERA. He became a free agent after the season.

The Royals would prefer to insert a left-hander in their rotation which had shaped up as all-right-handed with Gil Meche, Zack Greinke, Brian Bannister, Luke Hochevar, Kyle Davies and possibly Brandon Duckworth. Left-hander John Bale, who started last season in the rotation, made just three starts before being hurt. Bale will be used in relief next season.

--Dick Kaegel.