(Sugar Land, Tex., May 2, 2018) — The Sugar Land Skeeters announced today that the contract of left-hander Paco Rodriguez has been purchased by the Minnesota Twins. Rodriguez is expected to report to extended Spring Training and then to Double-A Chattanooga.
Rodriguez, 27, has made two appearances for the Skeeters this season, picking up saves in both outings, which placed him in a tie for the most in the Atlantic League. Rodriguez allowed a run on three hits in two innings of work, picking up three strikeouts to one walk.
Rodriguez last appeared at the affiliated level in 2017 with the Baltimore Orioles’ Gulf Coast League affiliate. He was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the second round of the 2012 MLB Draft out Florida and made his Major League debut that same year with the Dodgers, becoming the first player in his draft class to reach the Majors. He appeared on the Dodgers’ Opening Day roster from 2013-15 and was second on the team with 76 appearances in 2013. In 124 career Major League appearances (all coming in relief and with the Dodgers), Rodriguez is 4-5 with a 2.53 ERA and two saves. He’s struck out 91 batters to 30 walks in 85 1/3 innings in that span as well.
Rodriguez was traded to the Atlanta Braves in July 2015 and underwent Tommy John surgery in September 2015. He did not make a professional appearance during the 2016 season and was released by the Braves in March 2017. Before attending the University of Florida, Rodriguez was drafted by the Houston Astros in the 48th round of the 2009 MLB Draft out of Gulliver Prep (Miami, Fla.). While at Florida, Rodriguez helped the team earn three consecutive appearances to the College World Series, including the College World Series Finals in 2011.
With the signing of Rodriguez, the Skeeters now have five players from their 2017 and ’18 rosters active with Major League organizations: OF Jeremy Barfield (Triple-A Pawtucket; Boston Red Sox), OF Cole Gillespie (Low-A Tri-City; San Diego Padres), INF/OF Josh Prince (Triple-A Reno; Arizona Diamondbacks), Rodriguez (Double-A Chattanooga; Minnesota Twins) and INF Andy Wilkins (Double-A Chattanooga; Twins).
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About the Sugar Land Skeeters
The Skeeters play at Constellation Field, a state-of-the-art stadium located at the intersection of State Highway 6 and U.S. Highway 90A in Sugar Land. The Skeeters are a member of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB) and play 126 regular season games. The Skeeters Baseball Foundation promotes youth education and healthy activities lifestyles by providing support to culturally, racially and economically diverse areas of the community. For more information please call 281-240-4487 or visit sugarlandskeeters.com.
About The Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 38 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 900 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.
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