20-year-old right-handed pitcher Andrea Pizziconi has been released by the Kansas City Royals organization. He began his professional career in 2010 with the Arizona Diamondbacks before joining the Royals one year later. He split time between Rookie ball and Low-A, going 3-3 with an ERA of 4.47 in 33 career appearances (eight starts). He struck out 49 batters in 88 2/3 innings, while walking 40. He allowed two hits, two runs and two walks in two innings, pitching for Italy in the 2011 IBAF Baseball World Cup. Pizziconi could return to the Italian Baseball League with Fortitudo Bologna a possible destination according to reports from Italy.