KISSIMMEE, FLA. ? Left-hander Jose Rosado, who was released by the Kansas City Royals on March 10, is close to reaching a minor league deal to return to the team.

“We’re close,” Royals general manager Allard Baird said Tuesday. “We’re having discussions.”

Rosado was 2-0 in two exhibition starts, but had a 6.75 ERA and opposing hitters had a .412 average against him. Rosado’s peaked at 81, which is well below major league average.

Rosado has had two shoulder operations the past two years and outside of spring training, has not pitched since April 30, 2000.

“He needs to build up his arm strength,” Baird said. “I don’t know how much he’s been throwing. If we did sign him, we would probably start him out in extended spring.”

The club also continues to negotiate a multiyear contract extension with All-Star first baseman Mike Sweeney, who has set a Monday deadline for signing.