Royals release veteran pitcher Bruce Chen

The Kansas City Royals have released veteran left-handed pitcher Bruce Chen. The Royals had designated Chen for assignment a week ago.

The Kansas City Royals have released veteran left-handed pitcher Bruce Chen, the team announced Friday. 

The Royals had designated Chen for assignment a week ago.

Chen, who made his major league debut in 1998, spent the last six seasons in Kansas City. He was 2-4 with a 7.45 ERA in 48 1/3 innings this season.

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The veteran is free to sign with any team.

In his 16-year career, Chen has compiled an 82-80 overall record and 4.58 ERA. He has 1,136 strikeouts in more than 1,500 career innings.

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Chen signed a one-year, $3 million contract prior to the season, which included a 2015 player option worth $5.5 million.

- Molly Geary