Pedro Payano up, Locke St. John down, Patrick Wisdom DFA’d

Texas Rangers transactions: Pedro Payano’s contract has been purchased from AAA Nashville, the team announced today. Locke St. John has been optioned to make room for him on the 25 man roster. Patrick Wisdom has been designated for assignment to make room for him on the 40 man roster.

Payano is a 24 year old righthanded pitcher who generated some attention a few years ago for solid numbers in the lower minors, but seemingly hit a wall once he got to AA. He has pitched well in 2019, however, putting up a 3.91 ERA between Frisco and Nashville, mostly starting, with 81 Ks against 32 walks in 69 IP on the season. He has had a significant uptick in his K rate this season, and I’m curious to see if the Rangers use him as a reliever, and if they plan on keeping him on the 40 man for any length of time.

St. John struck out 4, walked 4 and gave up 4 runs in 5.1 IP in the majors. He’s something of a situational lefty, and after giving up 3 runs yesterday and with the Rangers needing someone who can give them innings, its understandable he is the guy who gets sent down.
Patrick Wisdom, meanwhile, can be waived, traded or released in the next seven days. If he clears waivers, the Rangers can outright him. The 27 year old former first round pick came over from St. Louis in the offseason in exchange for Drew Robinson, but has a 377 OPS in his brief major league stints this year and a 699 OPS for Nashville.