Former Rangers pitcher heads overseas after one-game stint

Remember Texas Rangers legend Chris Paddack? Who saved the team when it desperately needed pitching depth following Jack Leiter landing on the IL with an ankle injury that required surgery? Obviously, he isn't a Rangers legend. That's just a joke. But he actually helped Texas a lot at a time they needed pitching help, allowing two earned runs over four innings as the Rangers defeated the Cleveland Guardians 6-3 at Progressive Field on Monday, June 29. Unfortunately for Paddack, the Rangers designated him for assignment just one day later.

Paddack elected free agency after clearing waivers and being outrighted to Triple-A Round Rock. According to Ilyo Shinumun, the right-hander just signed a contract with the Samsung Lions of the KBO League in South Korea.

Even though Paddack was relatively successful in his lone start with the Rangers and played a vital role for the team in that one game by eating four innings, he allowed seven hits in the appearance. Texas likely made the right decision to DFA him, as the right-hander has an awful 6.79 ERA over 57 innings in MLB this year.

Former Rangers pitcher Chris Paddack has had a crazy season

The Rangers were Paddack's third team of the season, and his fifth over the last 12 months. The Minnesota Twins traded Paddack to the Detroit Tigers at last season's deadline. The right-hander signed a one-year, $4 million deal with the Miami Marlins in the offseason. He didn't last long with Miami, being designated for assignment in early May. After he cleared waivers and elected free agency, Paddack signed a deal with the Cincinnati Reds, where he lasted roughly five weeks before being DFA'd again, which allowed the Rangers to sign him.

Paddack has eight years of MLB experience. He began his career with the San Diego Padres in 2019 and pitched for the organization through the 2021 season. San Diego traded him, along with right-hander Emilio Pagán, to Minnesota on April 7, 2022, in exchange for left-hander Taylor Rogers, outfielder Brent Rooker and a player to be named later (right-hander Brayan Medina). Paddack battled through numerous injuries, including a UCL tear, during his time with the Twins before being dealt to the Tigers.

Paddack has a career 4.83 ERA over 638 2/3 career MLB innings. Since the KBO is viewed by many as the same competition level as Double-A, Paddack should have a much easier time finding success with the Lions. If he can pitch well, he could return to MLB down the road.

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