Randy

Messenger

Messenger has a 5.18 ERA in 11 relief appearances this season. He’ll rejoin the pen.

Messenger had just been recalled yesterday to replace Carlos Delgado on the roster.

Even though he was optioned down yesterday, Messenger traveled with the Marlins to Colorado in case he was needed. He’ll be a middle reliever.

Messenger’s agent Matt Sosnick has confirmed that it is a one-year deal with an option for 2013. The 30-year-old right-hander had a strong second-year with the Tigers, posting a 12-7 record with a 2.88 ERA and 120 strikeouts. However, a return to MLB isn’t imminent.

The Hanshin Tigers have a three-year, $15 million contract offer on the table to keep Messenger in Japan, and the club obviously wants a response in the near future. The right-hander would accept a two-year deal worth between $8 to $10 million to return to America. Sosnick has fielded multiple offers from MLB teams, but none has included a second guaranteed season. The 6-foot-6, 260-pound Messenger has revitalized his career across the globe. He logged a 2.89 ERA with 183 strikeouts in 196 1/3 frames this past season. Messenger was a reliever with the Marlins, Giants and Mariners between 2005-09.

The 30-year-old right-hander would’ve preferred to return stateside, but it doesn’t appear that he could secure a guaranteed contract. He posted a 2.89 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 183/56 K/BB ratio over 196 1/3 innings in 2013.

The 30-year-old right-hander wanted to return to MLB after three successful years (four overall) in Japan, but he apparently was offered much more money from Hanshin. He posted a 2.89 ERA, 1.17 WHIP and 183/56 K/BB ratio over 196 1/3 innings in 2013.

We’d have picked Chris Resop first, but Messenger is another decent relief prospect. He had a 3.46 ERA in 32 appearances for Albuquerque. The Marlins will see if he can help out in middle relief.

Messenger allowed three runs in 1 2/3 innings while with the Marlins last month. He’ll pitch in middle relief.