David

Paulino

Paulino cleared waivers after being designated for assignment. The 27-year-old gave up two runs over two innings Friday in his only appearance after his call-up. He’ll stick around as depth in the organization.

Paulino was charged with two runs on three hits over two innings on Friday evening in his lone appearance with the Phillies. He’ll likely remain with the organization if he manages to clear waivers. The 27-year-old righty posted solid numbers at Triple-A Lehigh Valley earlier this season, so there should be some interest from other organizations.

Paulino has not appeared in a major league game since 2018, but he will be available out of the Philadelphia bullpen on Thursday afternoon against the Dodgers.

The 26-year-old Paulino was once a top-100 prospect, but he’s dealt with an injuries and also served a PED suspension. He last pitched with the Blue Jays in 2019 and holds a 5.48 ERA over 16 appearances in the majors. The Phillies are willing to see what he can do.

Paulino has had a terrible time staying healthy in his pro career and he also served a PED suspension last year. Still, he’s only 25 and a former top prospect, so he won’t have trouble finding interest.

The move clears a spot on the 40-man roster for Zack Godley. The 25-year-old right-hander hasn’t made an appearance for the Blue Jays since June 16 due to injury, and he owns a 3.45 ERA in his seven starts with Triple-A Buffalo. He could report back to the minors if he isn’t claimed, but also has the option to become a free agent and find a new organization.

Paulino allowed three runs but fanned 10 in five innings this spring. He was acquired from the Astros in the Ken Giles deal last July.

Paulino is a 19-year-old who has yet to appear in a game above rookie ball. He also will be out until around midseason next year following Tommy John surgery. But, the 6-foot-5 Dominican, when healthy, has a big arm and holds a 1.62 ERA and 41/12 K/BB ratio over 39 career innings, so he could be an intriguing long-term project for the Astros.

General manager Jeff Luhnow said that “it wasn’t anything major” but didn’t go into more detail. “We’ve got rules and every once in a while rules are violated and we have to enforce them,” Luhnow said. Paulino has been awesome at Double-A Corpus Christi this season, posting a 1.86 ERA and 66/11 K/BB ratio over 58 innings. He’s expected to rejoin the rotation soon.

Paulino, one of the Astros’ top pitching prospects, posted a 2.00 ERA with 10.6 K/9 and 1.5 BB/9 in 15 starts and five relief appearances in the minors this season. The 22-year-old had a 3.86 ERA and 20/6 K/BB ratio in 14 innings over three starts after his promotion to Triple-A last month. It’s unclear how the Astros intend to use him, but he’s already on the 40-man roster and will now get his first stint in the majors.