Veteran pitcher Joely Rodriguez is back in MLB after spending three seasons abroad. According to ESPN’s Jeff Passan, Rodriguez landed a deal with Texas Rangers.
Passan reports that Rangers gave Rodriquez a two-year deal which has an overall value of $5.5 million. The agreement also gives the team an option to extend the contract for the 2020 MLB season.
Rodriguez played the previous two years in Japan, where he was a member of Chunichi Dragons. The 28-year-old emerged as one of the league’s best relievers, having 1.85 ERA and 103 strikeouts. He also posted a 3-7 record.
Joely Rodriguez came to MLB in 2009, signing a deal with Pittsburgh Pirates. He failed to make a single appearance for the Pirates in the majors during his time there and ended up being traded to Philadelphia Phillies in 2014.
Rodriguez made his MLB debut with Phillies in 2016 and went on to play 38 games over the course of two seasons. He had 1-2 record while posting 5.40 ERA and totaling 25 strikeouts.
