Warner

Madrigal

Madrigal, 29, posted a 2.75 ERA and 41/14 K/BB ratio in 36 innings over 22 relief appearances with Arizona’s Triple-A affiliate. He’s signed on with the Chunichi Dragons of Japan’s Central League.

The 28-year-old righty hasn’t appeared in a major league game since struggling with the Rangers in 2009. He’ll serve as organizational depth at the Triple-A level.

Now we’re confused. The Angels added Madrigal to their 40-man roster earlier this month to prevent him from becoming a minor league free agent. The Rangers, though, have put out a press release saying he’s now their property. We hope one of the two parties will clear up the details. Madrigal, a 23-year-old converted outfielder, allowed 44 hits and posted a 75/23 K/BB ratio in 61 innings in low-A ball. He’s still more of a thrower than a pitcher at this point, but it was worth giving him the major league contract to see if he pans out. He’ll likely open 2008 at high-A Bakersfield.

That made Madrigal a free agent and the converted outfielder signed with Texas. “He throws his fastball in the mid 90s, has a hard slider and pounds the strike zone,” general manager Jon Daniels said. “Our scouts really like him.”

It was thought that Madrigal was going to be a six-year free agent, but the Angels opted to add the converted outfielder to the 40-man roster. In his first full year on the mound, Madrigal, 23, allowed 44 hits and posted a 75/23 K/BB ratio in 61 innings in low-A ball. He has an excellent arm, so he might make it to the majors as a reliever in two or three years.

The right-hander has allowed nine earned runs in eight innings for the Rangers this season and makes room for the Rangers to call up Wednesday’s starter, Matt Harrison.

Madrigral had a 10.12 ERA and 2.000 WHIP since his mid-May recall. Doug Mathis will take his place on the roster.

Madrigal’s demotion to the minors makes room for Willie Eyre on the roster. The right-hander had posted a 13.50 ERA in 2 2/3 innings this season.

Madrigal will take the place of Frank Francisco on the roster. Madrigal has a 13.50 ERA in three appearances for the Rangers this season. He was optioned to Triple-A Oklahoma on April 15 to make room for Willie Eyre.