TORONTO — The Rangers are close to a major league deal with right-handed pitcher Chris Paddack, a person with direct knowledge of the move told The Dallas Morning News on Monday, as the club looks to fortify its suddenly thin rotation.
The deal is pending a physical, and while the Rangers have an open 40-man roster spot, a corresponding move must be made to add Paddack to their active roster.
Paddack, 30, had a 6.96 ERA with the Miami Marlins and Cincinnati Reds this season before he was designated for assignment by the latter last week.
The Austin native is a veteran starter who’s made 119 starts in his eight-year big league career. He played for the San Diego Padres when Rangers manager Skip Schumaker was on staff as a first base coach.
The Rangers are short handed because of injuries and a stretch of games that has taxed their bullpen. Rangers right-handed pitcher Jack Leiter underwent ankle surgery last week, and while left-handers Jordan Montgomery and Cody Bradford are at various stages of their returns from elbow surgeries, neither are immediate options.