Rangers sign free agent RHP Mike Foltynewicz to Major League contract for 2021 season
The following is a press release from the Texas Rangers:
Arlington, Texas — The Texas Rangers today announced the signing of free agent right-handed pitcher Mike Foltynewicz to a one-year Major League contract for the 2021 season. To make room on the Major League roster for Foltynewicz, the club has designated outfielder Adolis García for assignment.
The 29-year-old Foltynewicz made just one start for Atlanta in 2020, taking the loss in Braves’ 14-5 defeat on July 27 at Tampa Bay. He spent the remainder of the season at the Braves’ Alternate Training Site and a throwing session for MLB teams in January. He recorded at least 10 wins in back-to-back seasons in 2017-18 and was a National League All-Star in 2018, when he set career bests in wins (13), ERA (2.85), innings (183.0), and strikeouts per 9 innings (9.9). Foltynewicz started 4 of Atlanta’s 9 Division Series games in 2018-19.
Originally selected by Houston in the first round (19th overall) of the 2010 June draft, he made his Major League debut with the Astros in 2014 before an offseason trade to Atlanta in a deal involving Evan Gattis. Foltynewicz has gone 44-42 with a 4.33 ERA over 138 games/118 starts in his MLB career, posting a 1.328 WHIP figure while averaging 8.6 strikeouts per 9 innings.
García appeared in 3 games with 2 starts for Texas during his lone stint with the club last season from July 28-August 9. He was originally acquired in a trade with the St. Louis Cardinals on December 21, 2019. The Rangers have seven days to trade, release or outright García to the minor leagues.
Following today’s transactions, the Rangers’ Major League roster remains at the 40-man limit.
