The Royals have signed right-hander Brandon Duckworth to a one-year contract. He was sent outright to Triple-A Omaha after the signing. Duckworth spent most of last season with Omaha but went 3-3 with a 4.50 ERA in seven starts for Kansas City. He will make a salary based on $600,000 while he's on the Royals and $300,000 if he's in the minors.