Nick Gordon: Released by Kansas City

The Royals released Gordon on Thursday.

It's possible this was an opt-out situation, as many veteran players have May 1 dates in their minor-league contracts by which they need to be added to the major-league roster. Gordon was acquired from the Orioles for cash in early April and has slashed .270/.333/.333 in 20 games at the Triple-A level this season. The 29-year-old is now free to latch on with another organization.