Chavez back to Rangers on 2-year deal
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ARLINGTON -- The Rangers are bringing back versatile right-handed pitcher Jesse Chavez on a two-year contract, the club announced on Friday.
Chavez split last season with the Rangers and the Cubs, combining to go 5-2 with a 2.55 ERA and a 1.06 WHIP in 62 games and 95 1/3 innings. The 1.06 WHIP was the 14th lowest among 152 pitchers with at least 90 innings pitched.
Texas signed Chavez early last Spring Training, and he began the season as a long reliever and gradually moved into a late-inning role. He went 3-1 with a 3.50 ERA in 30 appearances before being traded on July 19 to the Cubs for Minor League left-handed pitcher Tyler Thomas.
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Chavez flourished with the Cubs. In 32 outings, he compiled a 2-1 record with a 1.15 ERA and a 0.79 WHIP. In 39 innings, Chavez allowed 26 hits and five walks while striking out 42. He also recorded four saves.
Chavez is an 11-year veteran who has been used as a starter and a reliever in his career. He made 21 starts for the Angels in 2017 and another 47 for the Athletics from '14-15. The Cubs were his ninth organization, and his one scoreless inning in relief against the Rockies in the National League Wild Card Game marked his first career postseason appearance.
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The 35-year-old was not used as a starter this past season, but he has expressed a strong desire to return to that role at some point. The Rangers have multiple openings in their rotation, with only Mike Minor guaranteed a spot as of now. Veterans Drew Smyly and Edinson Vólquez, both coming off Tommy John surgery, are also possibilities.