NPB Tracker's Patrick Newman reports that Anthony Lerew is expected to sign with the Fukuoka Softbank Hawks of the Japanese Pacific League.

It was reported last month that Lerew signed a minor league deal with the A's, but apparently the contract must have contained some sort of out clause. He posted a 2.55 ERA and 1.33 WHIP over 123 2/3 innings for the Royals' Triple-A affiliate in 2010. The 28-year-old holds a 7.48 ERA over 61 1/3 career major league innings.

Athletics signed RHP Anthony Lerew to a minor league contract.

Lerew, 28, posted a 2.55 ERA and 1.33 WHIP over 123 2/3 innings for the Royals' Triple-A affiliate in 2010. He could land a spot in the A's bullpen or serve as an emergency option for the starting rotation.

Royals sent RHP Anthony Lerew outright to Triple-A Omaha.

Lerew accepted a minor league assignment after being designated for assignment last week. He posted an 8.54 ERA over six starts with the Royals.

Royals designated RHP Anthony Lerew for assignment.

He was cleared to make room for newly-acquired right-hander Sean O'Sullivan. Lerew has an 8.54 ERA in six starts with the Royals this season. This is the second time he has been designated for assignment by the club since April.

Anthony Lerew (ribs, biceps) is unlikely to make his next scheduled start against the Yankees on Sunday.

Lerew suffered bruises on his right ribs and right biceps when he was hit by an Edwin Encarnacion liner Tuesday. "To be quite honest with you, I don't see it happening," Yost said. "He's pretty sore. We'll just have to wait and see. He's day-to-day." It's not known who would replace him in the rotation.

Anthony Lerew suffered bruises on his right ribs and right biceps when he was hit by an Edwin Encarnacion line drive in the second inning Tuesday.

Lerew was forced to leave the game after being struck by the line drive. It's not known if he'll stay in the rotation, though it's not like he has pitched well, anyway. Lerew gave up three runs over 1 1/3 innings on Tuesday.

Anthony Lerew left Tuesday's game against the Blue Jays in the second inning after being struck by an Edwin Encarnacion liner in the stomach.

He actually made the throw to first base to retire Encarnacion, but was forced to leave the game. He was replaced by Kanekoa Texeira. Lerew gave up three runs over 1 1/3 innings.

The Royals will skip Anthony Lerew in the rotation against the White Sox this weekend.

The team has a built-in off-day on Thursday, so Brian Bannister and Zack Greinke will start on regular rest on Saturday and Sunday, closing out the first half of the season.

Anthony Lerew was tagged for six runs in five innings by the Angels on Sunday.

Lerew earned his first major league victory against the White Sox with a strong outing on Tuesday, but he figures to be too inconsistent to be worth using in AL-only leagues. He could be bumped from the rotation soon to make room for Luke Hochevar.

Anthony Lerew earned his first major league victory by holding the White Sox to one run in six innings on Tuesday.

Lerew was 0-4 with a 6.22 ERA in seven starts and nine relief appearances since debuting with the Braves in 2007, but he got the job done tonight. The lone run came courtesy of a Carlos Quentin homer. Lerew allowed just two other hits and one walk. It'll keep him in the rotation for a while longer. Still, he's not recommended in AL-only leagues.

Anthony Lerew gave up four runs over 5 1/3 innings in a loss to the Nationals on Tuesday night.

Lerew did just fine in his season debut against the Astros last Thursday, but he struggled in this one, giving up 10 hits -- including a pair of solo home runs -- while walking one and striking out two. He has averaged less than 6.0 K/9 over the past two seasons in the minor leagues and isn't exactly a groundball pitcher, either, so we're skeptical about his chances for success on the big league level.

Anthony Lerew allowed two runs and three hits over six innings Thursday in a no-decision against the Astros.

Luke Hochevar is supposed to miss just two starts, but perhaps Lerew could keep a rotation spot if he's strong again next week. He struck out seven tonight. Of course, it was against the same PCL-level competition he's used to facing.

Royals purchased the contract of RHP Anthony Lerew from Triple-A Omaha.

Lerew will take over Luke Hochevar's spot in the starting rotation on Thursday with an outing against the Astros. He's gone 5-3 with a 2.84 ERA and a 1.33 WHIP this season for Omaha, but isn't a great fantasy bet.

Royals sent RHP Anthony Lerew outright to Triple-A Omaha.

Lerew was designated for assignment at the end of spring training because he was out of minor league options. He'll probably spend most of the year in Omaha, and might make it as a September call-up.

Royals designated RHP Anthony Lerew for assignment.

Lerew has now lost almost all of his former shine as a prospect in the Braves' organization. He'll probably clear waivers and could be summoned back from the minor leagues as an injury replacement later in the year.