Braves sign Ricardo Rodriguez

The Atlanta Braves have signed right-hander Ricardo Rodriguez, who pitched last year for the Texas Rangers. Bill Shanks has more.

The Atlanta Braves have signed 27-year-old right-hander Ricardo Rodriguez to a minor league contract and added him to the Richmond Braves' roster.

Rodriguez was released by the Phillies on March 29th after pitching in six Grapefruit League games (4.50 ERA). He had been acquired by the Phillies from the Rangers in December in the Vincente Padilla trade.

Originally signed by the Dodgers' organization, Rodriguez pitched the last two seasons with the Texas Rangers. He started ten games for Texas last season and was 2-3 with an ERA of 5.53. He allowed 67 hits in 57 innings, with 17 walks, and 24 strikeouts.

In 2004 Rodriguez started off great going 3-1 with a 2.03 ERA in four starts before being hit in the elbow with a line drive off the bat of Angels' infielder Robb Quinlan. The ball shattered his right elbow and he missed the rest of that season and part of 2005 as well.

He started 15 games for the Cleveland Indians in 2003 and was 3-9 with a 5.73 ERA. Rodriguez had 41 strikeouts and allowed 89 hits in 82.1 innings of work. The righty made his big league debut for Cleveland with seven starts in 2002. he was 2-2 with a 5.66 ERA.

With Wes Obermueller going to Japan, the Braves will probably insert Rodriguez into Richmond's starting rotation. He'll be insurance in case the organization needs another veteran arm in Atlanta this season.


Bill Shanks is the author of Scout's Honor: The Bravest Way To Build A Winning Team, a look inside the Braves‘ traditional scouting and player development philosophies. Email Bill at .