KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Left-hander John Bale and the Kansas City Royals agreed Tuesday to a one-year, $1.2 million contract.
Bale was 0-3 with a 4.39 ERA in 2008, appearing in just 13 games while struggling with injuries -- one self-inflicted.
While on the disabled list in May with shoulder tightness, Bale broke his pitching hand by punching a hotel room door while the Royals were in Cleveland. He apologized to Kansas City fans, but the reason for his anger remained unknown.
The six-season veteran came to the Royals in 2007 after stints with the Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles and Toronto Blue Jays. The 34-year-old became a free agent on Dec. 12 after he was not offered a contract by the Royals.