Royals purchase Gordon’s contract from T-Bones

By MATT FULKS
tbonesbaseball.com

KANSAS CITY, KAN. – The Kansas City T-Bones announced that the Kansas City Royals have purchased the contract of pitcher Derek Gordon.

Gordon, a 6-foot-6 and 220-pound right-handed pitcher, went 1-1 with a 6.49 ERA in 14 appearances last season after signing with the T-Bones on July 1. Gordon, who threw 26 1/3 innings, was used as both a starter and reliever for Kansas City. In his first professional start, the second game of a doubleheader against Sioux Falls at CommunityAmerica Ballpark on July 5, Gordon threw a complete-game, four-hit shutout in the seven-inning contest.

“Derek has the intangibles and work ethic to succeed at the next level,” said T-Bones manager John Massarelli. “I'm very excited for his opportunity with the Royals.”

Gordon, who is a younger brother of Royals outfielder Alex Gordon, was a four-year starter at Park University, where he set the school record last year for career wins (24) and strikeouts (172).

Gordon is 24th T-Bones player whose contract has been sold to a Major League organization. The previous was earlier this month, on Feb. 2, when the Los Angeles Dodgers purchased Chris Bianchi’s contract. Gordon is the second T-Bones player whose contract has been purchased by the Royals. The other was Brad Correll in 2008.

“We’re really happy for Derek to get this great opportunity,” said T-Bones vice president and general manager Chris Browne. “I’d love to see Derek and Alex in uniform at the same time with the Royals. We’ll definitely be rooting for Derek this summer.”