Right-handed starting pitcher Chris Volstad and catcher Brayan Pena have declined minor-league assignments from the Royals and elected free agency, the team announced Wednesday.

Volstad, a first-round pick by the Marlins in 2005, was claimed by the Royals off waivers from the Cubs in October. The 26-year-old made 21 starts for the Cubs in 2012, going 3-12 with a 6.31 ERA, 1.62 WHIP and 61 strikeouts in 111 1/3 innings.

Pena, who was claimed off waivers from the Braves in May 2008, hit .236/.262/.321 in 226 plate appearances for the Royals in 2012. He turns 31 in January.

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