KANSAS CITY — The Royals officially released veteran pitcher Jordan Lyles on Sunday after he went unclaimed on unconditional release waivers.

Lyles, 33, has been on the restricted list since April 20 for what the Royals described as a personal matter. The club had little to no contact with him while he dealt with his situation and did not offer further details as to what he was dealing with in deference to Lyles’ privacy. The reasons players can be placed on the restricted list are numerous and subject to MLB and MLBPA’s approval. Players on the restricted list remain under contractual control of their club, but are not on the 40-man roster and are typically not compensated and do not accrue service time.

However, Lyles reported to the Royals’ complex in Arizona in June to start pitching again. Because he was on the restricted list, MLB rules dictated he had 30 days to work his way back before the Royals had to make a roster decision. At the end of 30 days, they either had to activate him back onto the 40-man and 26-man roster or release him.