Royals release RHP Nick Anderson

(Photo credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports)

The Kansas City Royals released right-hander Nick Anderson on Thursday after he cleared waivers.

The Royals had designated him for assignment on Saturday to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for right-hander Hunter Harvey, whom they obtained in a trade the same day with the Washington Nationals. Anderson declined his outright assignment to Triple-A Omaha.

Anderson, 34, was 3-