Paterson was released by the Royals on Thursday, Matthew DeFranks of Fox Sports Kansas City reports. Paterson signed a minor league contract with the Royals in November with an invite to spring training, but failed to make the team out of camp. The lefty struggled with Triple-A Omaha as he posted a 5.68 ERA in 12 appearances this season, and will likely have to settle for a job in the minors again wherever he signs on next.