Jon Morosi reports that the Rangers and reliever Joely Rodríguez have agreed to a two-year contract worth $5.5 million.
Rodríguez, 28, pitched briefly for the Phillies in 2016-17, posting a disappointing 5.40 ERA with 25 strikeouts and 19 walks over 36 2/3 innings. He pitched in the Rangers’ and Orioles’ minor league systems in ’17-18 before traveling to Japan to play for the Chunichi Dragons. Rodríguez had much more success there. In 87 2/3 innings with the Dragons, he posted a 1.85 ERA with 103 strikeouts and 28 walks.
The Rangers’ bullpen was among the worst in the league last season, so the addition of Rodríguez behind closer José Leclerc should help.
