Royals sign pitcher Bryan Bullington to minor league contract

The Kansas City Royals have agreed to terms with right-handed pitcher Bryan Bullington to a minor league contract for the 2010 season.

The former top overall pick of the 2002 Draft by the Pittsburgh Pirates pitched in the Toronto Blue Jays organization in 2009, mainly at the Triple-A level for Las Vegas.  The 29-year old did make four relief appearances for the Jays in April, compiling a 3.00 ERA in 6.0 innings.  The 6-foot-4, 220-pounder was 3-1 with three saves and a 3.52 ERA in 28 relief stints for Las Vegas, striking out 43 and walking just seven in 38.1 innings.  Bullington is 0-5 with a 5.08 ERA in 13 games (5 starts) in his Major League career since breaking in with the Pirates in 2005.  He also spent time with the Indians in 2008.

The former Ball State University star was originally drafted in 1999 by the Royals in the 37th round out of Madison (Ind.) High School, but did not sign.  He is married with one child and currently resides in Mokena, Ill.