Brad Thompson News

The Royals scored four times in the 11th inning on two home runs to defeat the Express 5-1 Friday night in Round Rock, Texas.

The Astros signed veteran right-hander Brad Thompson to a Minor League deal earlier this month, general manager Ed Wade said Sunday.

Seven draftees are the first to sign with the club: 7th rd P Eric Cantrell, 11th rd SS Alex McClure, 26th rd P Gates Dooley, 27th rd OF Jose Rodriguez, 28th rd 1B Murray Watts, 30th rd P Chad Blauer and 46th rd C William Robertson.

Right-hander Gil Meche's rebound from bursitis in his pitching shoulder is not going as quickly as the Royals had hoped.

Right-hander Kanekoa Texeira reported to the Royals on Friday after being claimed on waivers from the Mariners.