The Kansas City Royals announced today that club has granted the release of minor league right-handed pitcher Mario Santiago in order for Santiago to sign a contract with the SK Wyverns of the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO).

The soon-to-be 27-year-old Santiago pitched with both Omaha (AAA) and Northwest Arkansas (AA) in 2011.  The 6-foot-1, 213-pounder recorded a combined record of 8-4 with a 3.70 ERA in 35 games (11 starts) last season.  The Royals selected the resident of Salinas, Puerto Rico, in the 16th round of the 2005 Draft.

— Royals Media Relations —