SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Left-hander Brian Duensing, signed in the offseason to a Minor League deal, was seen hugging several teammates, including former Nebraska teammate and good friend Alex Gordon, and saying good-byes on Monday morning in the Royals' clubhouse.
Duensing, 33, has an opt-out clause in his contract, and he confirmed that he will exercise it on Tuesday, at which point the Royals will have until Thursday to add him to the 40-man roster or he will become a free agent.
As for the good-bye hugs, Duensing said, "Precautionary. I really don't know how this all works.