The Royals signed Barlow to a minor-league contract Thursday.
It's a homecoming for Barlow, who spent the first five-and-a-half seasons of his career with the Royals. The veteran reliever was released by the Athletics in late June after posting a 6.48 ERA, 1.35 WHIP and 29:19 K:BB in 33.1 innings over 36 appearances. Barlow could get another opportunity in the majors before long if he can get off to a good start at Triple-A Omaha.