and was shut down again. He had hoped to return in September but manager Don Mattingly said that his return would be late, if he returned at all. He had another setback after testing his elbow off a mound in September and was shut down for the season. He became a free agent at the conclusion of the season. Kansas City Royals On November 29, 2011, Broxton signed a one-year, $4 million contract with the Kansas City Royals. On April 11, 2012, Broxton tied a dubious record for a major-league pitcher by ending and losing a game on consecutive hits by pitch (HBP). The last time this happened was on September 2, 1966, when Stu Miller of the Baltimore Orioles hit Al Weis and Tommie Agee of the Chicago White Sox. Overall, Broxton had a strong first half, posting a 2.05 ERA, with 20 saves in 23 save opportunities through July 1. Cincinnati Reds On the July 31, 2012, MLB non-waiver trade deadline, Broxton was dealt to the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for minor league pitchers J. C. Sulbaran and Donnie Joseph. On November 28, 2012, Broxton agreed to terms on a multi-year extension with the Reds. He was placed on the 15-day disabled list on June 15, 2013 due to a right elbow flexor strain. He was placed on the DL again in August. After closer Aroldis Chapman was hit in the head with a line drive on March 19, Broxton took over closing duties for the Reds to start the 2014 season. Milwaukee Brewers On August 31, 2014, Broxton was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers for two players to be named later. On September 10, the Brewers agreed to send Kevin Shackelford and Barrett Astin to the Reds to complete the trade. St. Louis Cardinals On July 31, 2015, Broxton was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for minor league outfielder Malik Collymore. The Brewers also sent cash, as the pitcher's 2015 salary was $9 million ($ today), and he would have been arbitration eligible in 2016 with a $2 million ($ today) buyout. Broxton made his Cardinals debut on August 1 in a 6–2 loss to the Colorado Rockies, pitching one scoreless inning, and allowing no runners to reach base. He completed 24 innings, striking out 26 with 12 walks and a 2.66 ERA. The Cardinals declined the $9 million option after the season, buying