Tyson Ross Released by Rangers, Padres Will Have Interest

Tyson Ross was officially released by the Texas Rangers on Tuesday after going 3-3 this year with a 7.71 ERA in 10 starts.

The right-handed pitcher was inked to a one-year/$6-million deal in the off-season after the Padres released their former ace.

Recovering from thoracic outlet syndrome, which is a shoulder impingement, proved to be too much for the 30-year-old. He had surgery in October to help alleviate the discomfort, but obviously he is still having some issues. More often than not, it takes time for a pitcher to regain his form after such a surgery. Ross could be in store for a bounce back year in 2018.

A.J. Preller is well aware of the type of pitcher Ross is- would he dare kick the tires on him?

The simple answer is yes. The Padres will surely be in contact with the pitcher, if they haven’t been already. Ross left under good terms and a reunion is not fully out of the question…or is it?

Well that really comes down to dollars and cents. Ross will not ask for an arm and a leg for a contract next year. His value is really low right now. You would have to think the Padres could easily sign him for around $1-2 million dollars, including some incentives. That is a contract that will be beneficial for both sides.

The Padres will need starting pitching for next year. Jhoulys Chacin and Clayton Richard are both due for free agency after the year. Both have expressed interest in returning to the Padres, but they will only be retained for the right price. Lets face it, the Padres are still being frugal at this point with contracts.

Tyson Ross had great success under the tutelage of Darren Balsley. The pitching coach got the most out of the right-handed pitcher. He helped harness Ross’ delivery and, for the first time, the right-hander was able to pound the zone and throw strikes. Walking batters has always been his issue. He gave out 37 free passes in 49 innings this year, which vaulted his WHIP to 1.837 in 2017 for the Rangers.

All is quiet in the Padres camp in regards to Ross. The team is in no position to sign players at will. However, if his value remains low and nobody else steps in, the Padres will explore the possibilities of bringing back an old friend. Ross had amazing success as a Padre, maintaining a 3.16 ERA, 1.239 WHIP and earning an all-star nomination in 2014. Quite frankly, his best years were as a member of the San Diego Padres.

Rangers Release Tyson Ross https://t.co/GoCiO1iDWX pic.twitter.com/umlOTS33gI

— MLB Trade Rumors (@mlbtraderumors) September 12, 2017

Tyson Ross has never had a winning season in the major leagues (35-56 overall). I know, wins are a terrible way to measure a pitcher’s worth. However, the fact he continues to be hit and miss means that people need to curb their enthusiasm on this pitcher. At this point he is not an ace. Not even close. You have to question if he ever really was. He is an excellent pitcher, who can eat up innings when healthy.

The Padres would value him as a reclamation project and as a mentor for their young pitchers. In speaking to many former and current Padres players, they all say the same thing. All these players enjoyed Tyson Ross as a human being. He showed incredible work ethic and leadership abilities. I was told by one player that in a clubhouse full of egos, he was a refreshing change. Tyson Ross is a free agent. He may be signed by any major league team. If his shoulder is sound, the Padres should definitely explore bringing back the pitcher. The 2018 season is approaching fast and you have to expect the Padres to, once again, stock up on veteran starting pitchers. Why not bring back an old friend?

James Clark

James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.