Zac

Curtis

Curtis, 27, had allowed 33 runs -- 30 earned -- in 30 1/3 innings of relief this season at the Triple-A level, so the Rangers decided to pull the plug. The left-hander made 42 major league appearances between the Diamondbacks, Mariners, Phillies, and Rangers between the 2016-2018 seasons.

Curtis was non-tendered a few weeks back. He was going to be out of options next spring, but now that he’s on a minor league deal, that’s not going to matter, at least not initially. He’ll compete for a bullpen spot.

Curtis, 26, registered a 4.96 ERA, 1.90 WHIP and 18/19 K/BB ratio in 16 1/3 erratic innings between the Phillies and Rangers in 2018. He has a live arm, but is going to have to settle for a minor league contract this winter in all likelihood.

Curtis will be looking to rebound after posting some tough numbers with the Diamondbacks earlier this season. During his previous stints with the Snakes in 2016, he surrendered six runs on seven hits over 10 1/3 innings (14 appearances). He doesn’t figure to see any sort of high-leverage work, but this call-up should provide nice additional seasoning for the youngster.

Curtis will head back to the minors after posting a 6.75 ERA over 21 relief appearances for the D’Backs. The 23-year-old has been hit hard this year and will have to improve his strikeout rate (6.75 K/9) if he wants to get back to the big leagues.

Curtis held his own in 9 1/3 innings with the big league club, pitching to a 3.86 ERA with a 7/6 K/BB ratio. The 23-year-old southpaw could see another call-up later this season, but could use seasoning in the minors. He had never pitched above High-A ball prior to his promotion.

In Curtis, the M’s are acquiring a 24-year-old southpaw with limited major league experience. His first sips of big-league coffee this past season proved bitter enough. In 13 1/3 innings, Curtis was rocked for 10 runs on 13 hits (two of which left the yard). He issued a dreadful 13 walks against 10 strikeouts in that space. He figures to have his opportunities to fight for a bullpen spot this coming spring, but unless he sparks immediately out of the gates, will likely open the season in the minors.

Curtis had a 3.21 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 13/4 K/BB ratio through 14 innings of relief this season at Double-A. The lefty was acquired from Arizona over the offseason as part of the Jean Segura trade.

Curtis tossed 1 2/3 scoreless frames in his brief time with the big club. He should get another shot eventually.

The 24-year-old southpaw appeared in two games in May for the Mariners, firing 1 2/3 scoreless innings. He’ll function in middle relief.