Righty Vance Worley has exercised the opt-out clause in his contract with the Reds, per Chris Cotillo of SB Nation (Twitter link). He had inked a minors deal with the Cincinnati organization in January that would have paid him $1.5MM in the majors.
Worley, 30, had fought for a role on the Reds staff this spring but did not crack the active roster. The eight-year MLB veteran surrendered eight earned runs on 17 hits in his 11 2/3 Cactus League innings.
Once a starter with the Phillies, Twins, and Pirates, Worley has functioned mostly as a long man and fill-in starter over the past three seasons. While he doesn’t get many swings and misses, he typically draws a solid number of groundballs and has been effective at times, as his career 4.09 ERA over 667 innings attests.
Of course, Worley is coming off of a less-than-effective campaign with the Marlins in which he coughed up 6.91 earned per nine. There’s plenty of evidence to suggest poor fortune — including a 64.5% strand rate, .378 BABIP, and significant spread in batted ball outcomes (.363 xwOBA vs. .396 wOBA) — but perhaps also not much reason to expect Worley to be more than a useful depth asset to have on hand.
Not too sad to see him go. Maybe he can make it San Diego or somewhere that has a pitcher’s park.
dodgers seem like a logical choice…. did you see that game last night.? .they need all the pitching they can find….
Newly released Zimmer would be a better option for the Dodgers
AMC Gremlin oh sorry amcferron85 Forget about the pitchers park. Anyone in need of an innings eater which is just probably 45% of the teams will take a chance on him
Maybe he could go back to Pittsburgh? I think he pitched decent for them in 2016, if I recall correctly.
Bucs have no need for the Vanimal these days. Lots of depth in the minors now. Do miss watching him pitch. Was fun to watch.
He was a good pitcher with them in 2014 when he filled in for half a year as a starter and did well.He was decent in 2015 but was released when the Buccos picked up Joe Blanton on waivers.I always liked him because he is a bulldog who does not give in.He had ROY votes for the Phillies several years earlier but was traded to the Twins for Ben Revere.
I would like to see the Pirates give him another chance but they really do not need him.He would have to go to AAA and wait his turn but unfortunately has not pitched real well over the last several years.I think that he is a guy like many who needs an extended chance and confidence in him to do well
I wish him well though.
dodgers
I like his goggles.
Are you Jordy Mercer??
I think that Jordy Mercer is an underrated player who the Pirates will miss more than they think if they get rid of him.I hope that this finger injury amounts to nothing.
Same here. Wonder who gets the call if he has to go on the DL? I believe the finger is on his right (throwing) hand so it could take him out for a couple of weeks. I, like you, hope it is nothing.
I think they would bring back Moroff.He hit in the low .100’s in the first half last year but in the low .300’s in the second half with decent power.He is a smooth fielder especially at second base.I think that he can handle shortstop,especially as a fill in.
The Pirates have some decent players at AAA who can play in MLB.