According to Bob Dutton of The Kansas City Star, the Royals have released right-handed pitcher Juan Cruz and designated right-handed pitcher Luis Mendoza for assignment. In a parallel move, the team has purchased the contracts of Brand Thompson and Bruce Chen to take Cruz and Mendoza’s roster spots.

Cruz, 31, was 0-0 with a 3.38 ERA in 5 games with the Royals this season. Last year Cruz signed a two-year, $5.5 million contract for 2009-2010 with a team option of $4 million for 2011. You can see Cruz’s statistics here.