The Texas Rangers have brought back right-hander Ryan Brasier, a seasoned MLB veteran, after initially releasing him before Opening Day. Brasier, who first joined the Rangers in February, didn't make the final roster cut out of spring training, but now finds himself back in the fold.
Brasier's journey through the majors began with the Angels in 2013, but he’s best known for his time with the Red Sox. Things took a downturn for him in Boston in 2023, leading to his release. However, he found new life with the Dodgers, posting an impressive 0.70 ERA over 39 games, which earned him a two-year contract with Los Angeles.
His second year with the Dodgers was marred by a calf injury, sidelining him for a significant portion of the season. Despite this setback, Brasier managed a respectable 3.54 ERA, although his strikeout rate dipped to 22.7%, a noticeable drop from his previous performance. This decline contributed to the Dodgers removing him from their 40-man roster, leading to a trade to the Cubs.
In Chicago, Brasier's injury woes continued with a left groin strain, limiting his appearances. When he did pitch, his strikeout rate fell further to 19.0%, and his ERA rose to 4.50, despite a solid 3.17 FIP.
As a free agent this offseason, Brasier faced a quiet market. Teams were hesitant due to his declining strikeout numbers and injury history, overshadowing his potential.
He signed a minor league deal with the Rangers, hoping to make the big league roster. Unfortunately, a tough spring training, where he allowed seven runs in eight appearances, kept him from breaking camp with the team.
Now back with the Rangers, Brasier will start the season at Triple-A Round Rock. He aims to refine his game and earn another shot at the majors, bringing his veteran experience and resilience to the table.