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Royals sign ex-Twins, Brewers 4.27 ERA reliever<\/a> originally appeared on The Sporting News<\/a>. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n The Kansas City Royals<\/a> have dealt with a handful of injuries to their starting rotation, including losing left-hander Cole Ragans<\/a> for the year.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n Injuries to starters put more pressure on the bullpen and make relievers throw more innings.<\/p>\n That’s probably why the Royals have decided to add extra bullpen help.<\/p>\n According to Darragh McDonald of MLB Trade Rumors<\/a>, Kansas City signed right-hander Justin Topa<\/a> to a minor league deal on Tuesday.<\/p>\n Topa, 35, was recently released from his minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays<\/a>. He has thrown 19 MLB innings this season, allowing 17 earned runs on 27 hits with the Minnesota Twins<\/a>.<\/p>\n “The Royals are 37-54, ahead of only the Angels in the American League. They are highly likely to do some selling ahead of the deadline, meaning some pitchers could be sent out for prospects,” McDonald wrote.<\/p>\n Advertisement<\/p>\n “Topa gives the club some extra depth without taking up a roster spot,” he added. “If he earns his way up to the big leagues, he\u2019ll be the cheapest addition possible.”<\/p>\n MORE<\/strong>:\u00a0Angels GM says\u00a0<\/a>\u2019NO!<\/a>\u2019\u00a0in response to Phillies trade rumor for Mike Trout<\/a><\/p>\n Since making his debut with the Milwaukee Brewers<\/a> in 2020, Topa has thrown 168.2 innings<\/a> in the Majors, posting a 4.27 ERA with 141 strikeouts during that span.<\/p>\n