Also, the Royals optioned right-hander Brian Bannister to Triple-A Omaha and released right-hander Joel Peralta. Left-hander John Bale, who is recovering from thyroid surgery, was placed on the 15-day disabled list retroactive to March 27.

And manager Trey Hillman said Sidney Ponson would be the fourth starter and work the home opener April 10 against the New York Yankees. Left-hander Horacio Ramirez will be the No. 5 starter but would also work out of the bullpen.

Gload hit .280 in 22 games for the Royals in spring training. He was acquired from the White Sox in 2006 and hit .273 in a career-high 122 games last season.

"It is always shocking," said Gload, who hit .280 with two home runs and 12 RBIs in 50 at-bats in spring training.

"As long as there is a uniform on the other side there's an opportunity," he said. "I think I can fit in well with a National League ball club. Ideally, I would have liked to been here. I wish there was a spot."

Gload was drafted by the Marlins in the 13th round of the 1997 amateur draft. He was traded to the Chicago Cubs in 2000. He's also played for Colorado and the Chicago White Sox.

Gload lost the Royals' first base job when they acquired Mike Jacobs in an Oct. 30 trade with the Marlins for reliever Leo Nunez.

After winning 12 games as a rookie in 2007, Bannister was 9-16 with a 5.76 ERA in 32 starts last season and 0-2 with an 8.53 ERA in four spring training starts.

Peralta had been an integral part of the Royals' bullpen the past three seasons, making 166 appearances. He was 1-2 with a 5.98 ERA in 40 outings last season and gave up 15 home runs. In spring training, he had a 6.23 ERA in nine outings and gave up four homers.

The Royals do not have to add Ponson to the big league roster until April 10, which would allow them to carry a position player, such as Ryan Shealy, Bryan Pena or Tony Pena Jr., who are out of minor league options, for a few extra days.

Also, right-hander Jamey Right, who had a clause in his contract that he could become a free agent if not placed on the big league roster Wednesday, extended the deadline.

"We've got some more time with Jamey as we continue to filter through some things," Moore said. "Jamey decided this was his best chance to be on an opening day roster and that's what he is going to do."

Moore said because of off days early in the season, the Royals would likely open with one less pitcher than Hillman had planned.