BASEBALL / DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJOR LEAGUES : Samuel Picked Up by Kansas City

Infielder Juan Samuel, released by the Dodgers last week, signed Thursday with the Kansas City Royals.

Samuel, who will join the Royals today in Oakland, signed a contract for the rest of the season. The Royals hold an option for next year.

To make room for Samuel, Kansas City sent shortstop Terry Shumpert back to triple-A Omaha.

Center fielder Bip Roberts of the Cincinnati Reds was released from a hospital after being treated for a strained neck and slight concussion. He might return to the lineup this weekend.

Roberts slammed face-first into the padded left-center-field fence at Atlanta while trying to catch a drive hit by David Justice.