KANSAS CITY, MO - The Kansas City Royals have signed right-handed pitcher Juan Cruz to a two-year contract through the 2010 season. The deal includes a club option for 2011. Consistent with club policy, terms of the contract were not disclosed. To make room on the 40-man roster, the Royals designated infielder Esteban German for assignment.

The 30-year old Cruz joins the Royals after three successful seasons with the Arizona Diamondbacks, the last two of which he pitched exclusively in the bullpen. The 6-foot-2 right-hander was 4-0 with a 2.61 ERA in 57 appearances in 2008. In 51.2 innings, Cruz fanned 71 batters while allowing 34 hits and 31 walks. He posted 12.37 strikeouts per nine innings, leading all N.L. relievers and ranking second in baseball to Tampa's Grant Balfour (12.65 K's/9).

A veteran of eight Major League seasons after making his debut for the Cubs in 2001 as a 23-year old, Cruz has recorded a 29-31 career record with a 4.00 ERA in 297 outings, including 38 starts. He has recorded 535 strikeouts in 515.0 career innings for the Cubs (2001-03), Braves (2004), Athletics (2005) and Diamondbacks (2006-08). Since making his debut in 2001, the right-hander has struck out 9.35 batters per nine innings, the 10th-best ratio in all of baseball. Teammate Kyle Farnsworth (10.13 K's/9) ranks sixth.

Born in Bonao, Dominican Republic, Cruz still resides in his hometown with his wife, Leonarda.

German, 31, hit .245 in 89 games for the Royals in 2008, his third season in Kansas City. For additional information, members of the media may contact the Royals Media Relations Department at (816) 921-8000. Complete Cruz stats follow.

This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.