With all the success Alex Gordon has had with the Kansas City Royals, why wouldn't the club give his little brother a shot?
The Kansas City T-Bones announced Thursday that the Royals have done just that and purchased the contract of the Gold Glover's younger sibling, right-handed pitcher Derek Gordon.
Gordon went 1-1 with a 6.49 ERA in 14 appearances last season with the T-Bones over 26 1/3 innings as both a starter and reliever. In his first professional start, the 6-foot-6 righty threw a complete-game, four-hit shutout (in seven innings).
"Derek has the intangibles and work ethic to succeed at the next level," T-Bones manager John Massarelli said in a press release. "I'm very excited for his opportunity with the Royals."
Gordon joined the T-Bones last summer after four years as a starter at Park University, where he set the school record last year for career wins (24) and strikeouts (172).
The Royals plan to inform Gordon of his assignment after spring training.
