Former Dodgers Pitcher Granted Release by AAA Squad, Heads Back to Free Agency

The Texas Rangers have released Danny Duffy from his minor league contract, according to the team’s transactions page.

Three years ago, Duffy was a mainstay in the Kansas City Royals starting rotation until he landed on the injured list at the end of May 2021 with a forearm flexor strain. He returned to the mound in late June only to see the same injury force him back to the IL after six appearances. 

Regardless, the Dodgers still wanted the starter and made a trade deadline deal for him. However, he never appeared in a game for Los Angeles and has yet to return to the major leagues. The 35-year-old has an ERA of 5.50 at Triple-A Round Rock this season striking out 17 and walking 17 in 18 innings.

In his last start for Round Rock on Tuesday, he gave up two runs and walked four in 1.1 innings. Duffy was released the next day.

Duffy approached this season differently than the last three. He felt like he was in the best shape of his life after almost three years of non-stop rehabbing between the Royals, Dodgers, and Rangers organizations. He also pitched in the Puerto Rican Winter League to prove that he was ready to be back in the big leagues for the first time since 2021. Duffy didn’t allow a single earned run while striking out 19 batters with a .161 opponent batting average in 15.2 innings.

Instead of wearing a Rangers uniform, Duffy is searching for his next chapter and brings a career record of 68-68 with a 3.95 ERA with him wherever he ends up.

Photo Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

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