Rangers sign Tim Dillard and others to minor league deals.

It was announced today that the Rangers have signed Blake Swihart and others to minor league deals with invites to Spring Training.

Blake Swihart (C)

Swihart seems to be insurance for the Rangers at the catching position. He was drafted in the 1st round (26th overall) by the Boston Red Sox in the 2011 draft. This year was not kind to him as with the Red Sox he hit .231 in 12 games. He was acquired by the Diamondbacks where he hit for a .136 average, 3 HR and 9 RBI in 31 games. Swihart is from Bedford so let’s hope that if he makes it to Arlington, coming home will do him some good.

Tim Dillard (P)

Many fans, including myself, are happy with the signing of Tim Dillard. Dillard spent all season with the Nashville Sounds and for some reason was suspended from Twitter for a while. Now he’s back on Twitter and we get to see him Ninja Training.

Ninja Training pic.twitter.com/nFm2Xx8Y5V

? Tim Dillard (@DimTillard) December 15, 2019

On a more serious note, for the Sounds, he had a 9-9 record with a 4.75 earned run average and he was a huge help to the pitching staff.

Brian Flynn (P)

Flynn spent last season with the Kansas City Royals where he ended with a 2-2 record and a 5.22 earned run average in 29.2 innings. His WAR according to baseball-reference was -0.1.

Matt Bush (P)

Ranger fans are familiar with Matt Bush, who will turn 34 prior to next season starting. Bush didn’t pitch in in the Majors at all last season. In 2018 he pitched 23 innings and had a 4.70 earned run average, which was the highest of his career. He signed a 2-year deal.

Artoro Reyes (P)

#Rangers sign P Arturo Reyes to a minor league deal with an invite to spring training. Reyes played for the #Rays organization last season. pic.twitter.com/wYGcKDE4ex

? Ballpark Post (@BallparkPost) December 16, 2019

Rates, 27, is a right-handed pitcher who was drafted by the Cardinals in the 40th Round of the 2013 draft out of Gonzaga. He has never pitched in the Majors. His career numbers in the lower levels of the Minors are pretty good as far as ERA is concerned. In the upper levels, particularly Triple-A, his numbers dip. For example, in 2 seasons of Double-A, he is 11-8 with a 2.72 earned run average. In 5 season of Triple-A, he is 24-20 with a 4.96 earned run average. Keep in mind, a major league defense behind a pitcher certainly help them out.