Royals sign pitcher Yan to minor-league contract

? Esteban Yan, who has pitched 11 years in the major leagues, signed a minor-league contract with the Kansas City Royals on Thursday, and was assigned to Triple-A Omaha in the Pacific Coast League.

Yan was designated for assignment by Cincinnati on July 14, after going 1-0 with a 3.60 earned-run average in 14 games.