Nomo's comeback may be over Hideo Nomo’s career may be over.  The Royals designated the Japanese legend for assignment on Sunday.   Nomo, 39, was attempting to come back from elbow surgery and defied the odds by making the Royals’ roster. But he was largely ineffective and was hit hard in his last appearance on Friday night against Oakland.

Nomo has a 10-day period in which he could be traded or put on waivers. However,  the Royals will not offer him a spot at Triple-A OmahaNomo had not pitched in the Major Leagues since 2005 with Tampa Bay.

Nomo had an 18.69 ERA for the Royals in three games and 4 1/3 innings. On Friday night, he entered the game in relief of countryman Yasuhiko Yabuta and induced a popup for an apparent third out but the ball dropped safely for a two-run double. Then he gave up a single and Bobby Crosby slammed a long home run to center field.