Former Reds pitcher goes full Simpsons GIF after experience with Rangers

Chris Paddack's tenure in Cincinnati was as short-lived as it was forgettable. The veteran right-hander made six appearances (three starts) while recording a 6.04 ERA and 4.53 FIP. He covered innings for a beleaguered, injured pitching staff, but that's about the nicest thing you could say about the Sheriff's time with the Reds.

Now, picture that but even more abbreviated with the Texas Rangers. And by even more abbreviated, we mean one (1) appearance.

The Reds designated Paddack for assignment earlier this month, making room on the roster for starters that were getting healthy. He expectedly cleared waivers, at which point he refused an assignment to Triple-A Louisville and instead opted for free agency.

It wound up not taking him long to find a new home — healthy arms are always in demand this time of year — as Paddack signed with the Rangers. He made his debut on June 29, tossing four innings in relief while allowing two earned runs in a win over the Cleveland Guardians.

Less than 24 hours later, he was designated for assignment again, receiving the full famous Simpsons GIF experience. In and out. In a flash.

Former Red Chris Paddack is a free agent yet again

The Rangers recalled rookie pitcher Gavin Collyer from Triple-A. The right-hander hasn't pitched in MLB since being demoted at the end of May.

At the time Paddack was added to the Reds' roster, the starting rotation was in shambles; all of Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Brandon Williamson, and Rhett Lowder were on the injured list. His penchant for eating innings (he tossed 158 frames in 2025) made him a sensible option to cover for some of those MIA arms.

Unfortunately, the experiment simply didn't work, as a newfound problem with issuing free passes, in conjunction with an inability to strike anyone out, kept Paddack from rediscovering his effectiveness of yesteryear. His tenure in Cincinnati lasted barely a month, with his Reds debut taking place on May 16 and his final appearance on June 17.

Thankfully, the Reds have gotten healthier since Paddack's services were initially acquired. Lodolo and Lowder are back in Terry Francona's starting five, augmenting the Chase Burns-led group. And while Williamson recently injured his finger while rehabbing his shoulder, it's Greene's impending return that should make all the difference.

The 2024 All-Star has missed all of 2026 thus far due to an arthroscopic elbow surgery, but he's spent the past few weeks on a rehab assignment. His most recent outing in Triple-A was so dominant (6.1 scoreless innings, one baserunner allowed) that fans are starting to get excited.

So here's to hoping for fewer moves that involve names like Chris Paddack and more wins that get the Reds back into the Wild Card picture.

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