Former Phillies closer Madson attempting comeback with Royals
Former Phillies closer Ryan Madson, who because of injury hasn't pitched in the majors since the 2011 NLDS, is attempting a comeback with the Royals.
Former Phillies closer Ryan Madson is attempting a comeback with the Kansas City Royals, who announced Sunday they signed the 34-year-old righthander to a minor league contract with an invitation to big league camp.
Madson hasn't pitched in the majors since the 2011 NLDS, which capped the last of his eight seasons in Philadelphia. Tommy John surgery cost him the 2012 season with the Reds and the subsequent season with the Angels. He was not with a team last season.
Madson compiled a 3.59 ERA over 491 appearances with the Phillies. He recorded 32 saves in 34 opportunities in 2011 after taking over the closer role from Brad Lidge.
The Phillies couldn't agree to a contract extension with Madson after the 2011 season, opting to instead sign Jonathan Papelbon to a four-year, $50 million contract. Madson signed a one-year, $8.5 million deal with Cincinnati that offseason but never pitched after undergoing the surgery during spring training.