The Rays have agreed to a minors pact with southpaw Vidal Nuno, according to Matt Eddy of Baseball America (via Twitter). Nuno took to the open market after having been outrighted by the Orioles in late August.
Tampa Bay could allow the 30-year-old Nuno a chance to compete for a roster spot in Spring Training. He has seen time in each of the past five MLB seasons, working both as a starter and a reliever.
Most recently, Nuno struggled to a 10.43 ERA in a dozen outings for the O’s. But he was much better at Triple-A, posting a 4.05 ERA over 26 2/3 frames with 10.1 K/9 and 2.4 BB/9. And Nuno was a useful performer at the MLB level in 2016 with the Mariners, running up 58 2/3 innings of 3.53 ERA pitching with 7.8 K/9 and 1.7 BB/9, though the results came despite a worrying .289/.324/.487 batting line for opposing hitters.
Nuno represents a useful depth option given his swingman capabilities. At this point, though, it seems most likely that he’d function as a lefty specialist. He has long been much stingier against left-handed hitters, who carry only a .237/.301/.382 overall slash against him in the majors.
I remember when this guy played in The Frontier league (independent baseball league). He played with our local indy league team.
That’s good you remember.
Destined to be a cy young candidate. Always happens when you leave the O’s. Spoken as a diehard Orioles fan.
I️ don’t think we ever have to worry about Vidal Nuno competing for a Cy Young Award
A sensible depth signing. Essentially replaces the injury-prone Taylor Guerrieri..
Minimal risk signing for the Rays looking to catch (Tampa Bay) Lightning in a Bottle.
Minimal risk for the Rays looking to catch (Tampa Bay) Lightning in a Bottle.