The Rangers have agreed to a minor-league deal with righty Ricardo Rodriguez, according to Gerry Fraley of the Dallas Morning News. Whether he’ll receive a MLB spring invite isn’t yet known.
Rodriguez was dropped from the 40-man roster last fall after an injury-limited campaign. Arm troubles aren’t a new phenomenon for the 26-year-old, who sat out the 2016 campaign owing to Tommy John surgery and has only once completed a campaign with more than 47 total innings.
Despite boasting a mid-nineties heater to work off of, Rodriguez has failed to generate many swings and misses over his twenty MLB appearances. He carries an anemic 6.8% swinging-strike rate in that stretch. Perhaps there’s more in the tank in that regard, as Rodriguez has compiled 287 strikeouts in 292 1/3 career minor-league innings. His most notable skill as a prospect, though, has been the ability to limit the long ball. Rodriguez has allowed just a dozen dingers in his seven years in the minors.
Talk about needing pitching help. Geez. This is why the Rangers pitching sept sucks,they keep signing guys like this
I was on board with the first 5 starters and a few of the relievers John Daniels signed this winter,but jeez the last 5 or so have been dumpster diving, I heard the last signee was working the drive through at McDonald’s when the scout found him, I love Ranger baseball but give us a break.
given their current pitching depth, this guy might not be that bad.
He’s been a beast in the minors, might finally translate this yr
Not quite sure what you guys are complaining about. Every team has multiple signings like this every off season. Low risk – high reward. It’s just a minor league contract after all, it’s not as if we’re giving up a ton of money or a roster spot if it doesn’t pan out.
And teams need guys like this to fill out AAA and AA rosters…
He’s actually produced extremely well in the minors (for the most part) and it says he’s got mid-90s heat… why not take a chance on him putting things together. After all he’s only 25 and it’s just a minor league signing… no real risk involved whatsoever.
Daniels is ensuring that the 2019 season will be another dud. I suppose 2020 will be the “breakout” year. Not holding my breath.