Former Philadelphia Phillies closer Ryan Madson agreed to a minor league contract with the Kansas City Royals that includes an invitation to spring training, ESPN.com reported Sunday.
Elbow injuries have kept the right-handed Madson out of the majors since 2011, when he saved 32 games in 34 chances for the Phillies.
Madson, 34, was 47-30 with a 3.59 ERA and 52 saves in eight career seasons with Philadelphia.
Madson assumed the closer’s job in Philadelphia from Brad Lidge in 2011, but a reported four-year, $44 million deal fell through and sparked a disagreement between Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. and Madson’s former agent, Scott Boras.
Madson signed a one-year, $8.5 million contract with the Cincinnati Reds, but he underwent Tommy John surgery in spring training and missed the 2012 season. He made a failed comeback attempt with the Los Angeles Angels in 2013 and sat out the entire 2014 season.